[Extensive multinodular schwannoma of femoral nerve].

HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: A 34-year-old woman contacted her general practitioner due to increasing circumference of her right thigh combined with occasional pain. The physical examination showed multiple nodular masses both in the groin and along the thigh that were painful to touch. The remainder of the physical examination was unremarkable.

DIAGNOSIS, THERAPY, AND CLINICAL COURSE: Both on ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) a nodular mass was found on the right thigh extending from the groin to the inner side of the knee. A tissue biopsy with histological reviewing led to the diagnosis of a benign schwannoma. The following operation and clinical course went without major complications.

CONCLUSION: Peripheral schwannomas are rare, benign tumors of the nerve sheath usually appearing as round or oval masses. A schwannoma along the femoral nerve with an atypical shape of small diameter and an extension over a few decimeters has not been recorded yet. In spite of the length it is possible to treat schwannomas surgically without serious, permanent damage to the involved nerve.