Pelvic schwannoma masquerading as broad ligament myoma.

Two cases of pelvic schwannoma appeared as broad ligament myoma. Laparoscopic myomectomy was planned for both patients in view of suspected broad ligament myoma. Intraoperative findings appeared to be degenerated myomas with suggestion of malignancy. Both patients underwent complete tumor excision laparoscopically and had uneventful postoperative recovery. Histopathologic examination confirmed them to be schwannomas. Solitary nerve sheath tumors such as benign schwannomas arising in pelvic retroperitoneum are infrequently reported and difficult to diagnose preoperatively. Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice. Benign retroperitoneal schwannomas in 2 patients primarily given the diagnosis of myoma were treated by laparoscopic excision. A MEDLINE search did not reveal reports of removing these tumors laparoscopically.