Schwannomas are common, slow-growing benign tumors derived from Schwann cells lining the nerve sheath which are rarely developed from the scalp. There are several types of schwannoma; however, ancient schwannoma is a rare benign tumor. We present a case of a 36-year-old man with an approximately 3 × 2-cm palpable mass on the left parietal area of his scalp that slowly grew over 5 years. The tumor was surgically excised and confirmed by immunohistochemistry, indicating an “ancient schwannoma” different from a trichilemmal or dermoid cyst.
Schwannomas, also known as neurilemmomas and axonal intraneural Schwann cell tumors, are benign neoplasms of the nerve sheath originating from Schwann cells
Ancient schwannomas are rare benign encapsulated tumors of protracted indolent growth; “ancient schwannoma” denotes extracranial schwannomas, which are usually solitary and grow to a large size. The term may also describe schwannomas that underwent pronounced cystic changes (e.g., relative loss of Antoni type A, perivascular hyalinization, calcification, and cystic necrosis). Cystic growth over the scalp can be easily misidentified as common tumors, such as dermoid cysts and trichilemmal cysts.
We present a rare case of an asymptomatic mass over the scalp; excision biopsy revealed this to be an ancient schwannoma.
A 36-year-old male patient presented to the department of neurosurgery at our institute complaining of a 3 × 2-cm palpable mass on the parietal area of the scalp that grew slowly over 5 years. The patient did not take any medications and had no relevant familial history.
Physical examination revealed a solitary, round mass in the left parietal area of the scalp, which was soft and non-tender (
On February 3, 2022, we excised the mass under local anesthesia. Gross examination of the specimen revealed a well-encapsulated mass measuring 3 × 1-cm, with a grayish surface (
Thereafter, the specimen was sent for histopathological examination, which revealed a well-circumscribed mass with degenerative and cystic changes, as well as hemorrhage. The tumor cells were spindle-shaped without cytologic atypia and were positive for S-100 on immunostaining (
Schwannomas are among the most common benign nerve sheath tumors. However, the development of schwannoma on the scalp is rare and is easily mistaken for a tumor of hair. Especially trichilemmal cysts are common over the scalp and present as dermal or subcutaneous growths over scalp
Radiographic features of ancient schwannoma are calcification, hyalinization, and cystic cavitation.
Differed from ancient schwannoma, radiographic feature of trichilemmal cysts is nodules are small, ovoid, circumscribed subcutaneous masses without overlying skin ulceration or underlying bone erosion, and dermoid cysts which radiographically featured do not enhance after contrast administration.
Schwannomas can be divided into subtypes based on histological findings, such as ancient, microcystic/reticular, epithelioid, cellular, psammomatous, and melanotic schwannomas
Our patient presented with an asymptomatic growth on the scalp for 5 years, confirmed to be an “ancient schwannoma,” different from a trichilemmal or dermoid cyst.
Trichilemmal cysts, common among middle-aged individuals, are smooth, mobile, and filled with keratin, a protein component found in hair, nails, skin, and horns. Histopathologically, trichilemmal cysts are lined by epidermal cells and contain homogeneous keratinous material (
Dermoid cysts that develop from epithelium are often asymptomatic and are soft or rubbery, round, and subcutaneous nodule
When we first identified the patient’s lesion, trichilemmal cyst or dermoid cyst were the possible diagnoses. This was because these are commonly noted; thus, surgical treatment was accordingly planned. However, the result of immunohistochemistry revealed the tumor to be an ancient schwannoma, contrary to our expectations.
Although there was no major difference in the direction of treatment, the fact that histological results pointing to an uncommon disease are a possibility should be remembered.
In conclusion, an ancient schwannoma on the scalp is rarely encountered. However, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of asymptomatic masses on the scalp.
No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.
Solitary round mass on the left parietal scalp.
Excised specimen, measuring approximately 3 × 2-cm.
Histologic findings of ancient schwannoma. (A, B) The tumor is well-circumscribed and shows degenerative change, cystic change, and hemorrhage. (C) In high-power images, the tumor cells appear spindle-shaped without cytologic atypia. (D) Tumor cells are positive for S-100 immunostaining. Original magnification: (A) × 20, (B) × 200, (C, D) × 400.
Histologic findings of proliferating trichilemmal tumor. (A) In a low-power image, the tumor appears smooth-bordered and well-circumscribed. (B, C) The tumor is composed of bland squamous epithelium and shows cystic change and keratinization. (D) In a high-power image, trichilemmal keratinization with abrupt keratinization without a granular layer is evident. Original magnification: (A) × 20, (B) × 100, (C) × 200, and (D) × 400.