Abdominal schwannomas: review of imaging findings and pathology

Schwannomas are typically slow growing, encapsulated benign neoplasms. Visceral schwannomas are rare, and preoperative diagnosis is challenging, as they are often confused with other neoplasms even with advanced imaging studies. Surgical excision is usually needed to establish a definitive diagnosis, as pathology is the “gold standard.” We review the imaging findings of abdominal schwannomas focusing on pancreatic, gastrointestinal, and retroperitoneal/adrenal schwannomas with pathology correlation. We conclude that schwannoma should be included in the broad differential diagnosis of an abdominal mass and that when it is unnecessary radical resection can be avoided.