A Hybrid Schwannoma of Median Nerve

Schwannomas are the most common benign neoplasms of the peripheral nerves in the upper extremity originating from the schwann cells of nerve sheath. They account for 5% of all tumours in upper extremity. Schwannomas are usually solitary, encapsulated and homogeneous masses and present with slowly growing masses, sometimes associated with pain and paresthesia. Pre-operative evaluation is based on ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging, but final diagnosis requires histopathology. It is important to distinguish plexiform schwannoma from plexiform neurofibroma because of the possibility of malignant transformation in plexiform neurofibroma. Plexiform schwannoma may be confused with neurofibromatosis and this can lead to overtreatment. We present a very rare case of solitary mass which had a plexiform type multicentric extension: hybrid schwannoma of the median nerve of a 20-year-old young girl.