Document Type : Case Report
Authors
1 Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi- 110029
2 1027/B, Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences - 110029 AIIMS
3 Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalagiri, India – 522503
4 Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India – 110029
Abstract
Background: Schwannoma and neurofibroma constitutes the benign peripheral nerve sheath tumours (BPNSTs) which may present as single or multiple lesions. Multiple schwannomas are rare in the peripheral nerves of the upper extremity. Solitary small schwannoma is usually asymptomatic; while larger and multiple ones may have variable symptoms due to pressure effects. Median and ulnar nerve communications are often encountered in the upper limb and such anastomoses are clinically important. However, such communications in the axilla with schwannomas are rare.
Method: The study protocol was designed as per the prevailing guideline of the institute on the use of human cadaver for teaching and research and relevant ethical clearance was obtained from donor at the time of whole-body donation. The upper extremities including the brachial plexuses of both sides were dissected carefully employing the conventional dissection methods.
Results: An unusual anastomosis in the axilla was observed along with two encapsulated, highly vascular, ovoid mass in the anastomosis. Another fairly large mass was noted at the right chest wall. Histopathology confirmed the masses to be schwannomas.
Conclusion: Asymptomatic schwannomas often remain undiagnosed and especially in axillary region can be misdiagnosed. Awareness of such variant anatomy will enable clinicians and surgeons to plan more appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
Keywords
- Anomalous innervations
- axillary mass
- median-ulnar nerve communications
- multiple schwannomas
- BPNSTs
- mammae erraticae
Main Subjects
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