[Cutaneous schwannoma: study of 26 cases].

BACKGROUND: Schwannoma is generally a benign tumour developing from Schwann cells.

AIM: To study epidemiological, clinical and pathological features of scwannoma.

METHODS: Retrospective study about 26 cases of cutaneous schwannoma collected in our department over 24 years.

RESULTS: Our patients were 12 females and 14 males. Mean age was 30 years. Clinically, schwannoma was a subcutaneous tumour which was painful in 11 cases. Individual tumours were located on the limbs (10 cases), on the head (9 cases) and the trunk (5 cases). Multiple tumours were seen in two patients. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of schwannoma in all cases. Treatment was complete surgical excision in all cases.

CONCLUSION: Cutaneous location of schwannoma is not rare. Usually, and contrarily to our series, there is no sex predominance. Clinically, schwannoma is located on the limbs and head. The diagnosis is confirmed by histopathological examination. Malignant epitheloid schwannoma diagnosed in one of our patients is a rare tumour. Schwannomas usually grow slowly and are poorly invasive. Malignant degeneration is exceptional. Treatment is complete surgical excision.