Benign yet deceptive: A rare spindle-cell neoplasm mimicking a cystic tumor - A case report on gastric schwannoma.

INTRODUCTION AND

IMPORTANCE

Gastric schwannomas are uncommon, benign tumors originating from Schwann cells within the enteric nerve plexus, comprising 6.3 % of mesenchymal tumors in the stomach and 0.2 % of all gastric neoplasms. Due to their submucosal origin and spindle-cell structure, they can resemble gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), making immuno-histochemical analysis crucial for accurate diagnosis.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 61-year-old woman presented with a progressively enlarging abdominal mass over the past five months, with no pain, nausea, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Physical examination revealed a firm, mobile mass measuring 8 × 7 cm2. Routine investigations were inconclusive. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed gastric erosions but no concerning mass. A contrast-enhanced CT scan identified a well-defined, predominantly cystic mass arising from the greater curvature of the stomach.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The patient underwent laparoscopic wedge resection in which the tumor and a portion of the adjacent stomach were resected and histopathological examination confirmed a well-defined spindle-cell tumor with mild nuclear pleomorphism. Immunohistochemistry showed strong positivity for S-100 and Sox-10 proteins, confirming gastric schwannoma. The patient recovered well after surgery with no complications. She was discharged in stable condition, and follow-up evaluations were unremarkable in the short term.

CONCLUSION

Gastric schwannomas are slow-growing, benign tumors with an excellent prognosis. Differentiation from gastrointestinal stromal tumors is crucial for proper treatment planning. Complete surgical resection is curative, and recurrence is rare, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis for optimal patient care.