BACKGROUND: Ancient schwannoma, a variant of schwannoma (previously termed neurilemoma), arises from the Schwann cells of the nerve sheath. It presents with swelling, pain, or paresthesia. CASE: A 53-year-old woman presented with a history of a left vulvar swelling, which had been present for many years. The tumor was slowly increasing in size and affected activities such as sitting and walking. Occasionally, she experienced a burning sensation at the site of the swelling. Surgical excision was undertaken, and histology demonstrated an ancient schwannoma. CONCLUSION: The characteristic histological appearance seen in ancient schwannoma should prevent the erroneous diagnosis of a malignant tumor. Malignant change is exceedingly rare. Treatment is complete surgical excision.
BACKGROUND: Ancient schwannoma, a variant of schwannoma (previously termed neurilemoma), arises from the Schwann cells of the nerve sheath. It presents with swelling, pain, or paresthesia. CASE: A 53-year-old woman presented with a history of a left vulvar swelling, which had been present for many years. The tumor was slowly increasing in size and affected activities such as sitting and walking. Occasionally, she experienced a burning sensation at the site of the swelling. Surgical excision was undertaken, and histology demonstrated an ancient schwannoma. CONCLUSION: The characteristic histological appearance seen in ancient schwannoma should prevent the erroneous diagnosis of a malignant tumor. Malignant change is exceedingly rare. Treatment is complete surgical excision.