Subfrontal Schwannoma Masquerading as Meningioma

TC Tan, LC Ho, HM Chiu, SCL Leung
Correspondence: Dr T C Tan

ABSTRACT
Intracranial schwannomas not associated with cranial nerves are rare and seldom encountered in the subfrontal region. We report a case of subfrontal schwannoma in a 21-year-old man who presented with seizures. Radiological features resembled an olfactory groove meningioma. The histological diagnosis of schwannoma was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining with S-100 and electron microscopy. We advocate the use of immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy as adjuncts to conventional light microscopy in differentiating schwannomas from meningiomas. Surgery remains the main therapeutic modality and complete excision is associated with cure.

Keywords: Immunohistochemistry, schwannoma, subfrontal, S-100 protein
Singapore Med J 2001; 42(6): 275-277