Perirenal schwannoma: a case report

INTRODUCTION Nerve sheath tumours of the kidney are particularly rare and, in the few reported cases, are all situated in the hilar region. CASE PRESENTATION We describe the case of a tumour presenting towards the lateral border of the ventral aspect of the mid-zone of the kidney. This was a spindle cell lesion in which the cells strongly and diffusely expressed cytokeratins, but were negative for epithelial membrane antigen. The cells also expressed S-100 protein and glial fibrillary acidic protein, confirming the diagnosis of a cellular schwannoma. CONCLUSION To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of a cellular schwannoma presenting towards the lateral border of the kidney. The case also highlights the importance of using a panel of antibodies in diagnosing spindle cell neoplasms in the kidney.