Ultrasound Examination Facilitated the Diagnosis of an Intercostal Schwannoma


Creative Commons License

Wu W., Chang K., ÖZÇAKAR L.

CUREUS JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE, vol.14, no.6, 2022 (ESCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 14 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2022
  • Doi Number: 10.7759/cureus.26079
  • Journal Name: CUREUS JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI)
  • Keywords: schwannoma, intercostal, neurilemmoma, thorax, ultrasonography
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Ultrasound imaging is known for its capability in scrutinizing superficial soft tissue disorders. We report a rare case of a 71-year-old male who presented with a history of rectal cancer with lymph node metastasis and had complete remission after surgery and chemotherapy. He had a palpable mass over the right anterior lower chest, which became gradually painful in the recent six months. Ultrasound facilitated the diagnosis of an intercostal schwannoma, which was also evident on magnetic resonance imaging and was confirmed by the histopathological study. Following the tumor excision, the patient had complete pain relief at the second-month follow-up. The case report highlighted the usefulness of ultrasound in clarification of the exact location of a chest wall tumor in relation to ribs, pleura, adjacent muscles, and intercostal neurovascular bundles as well as delineation of its echotexture and internal vascularity.