Plexiform schwannoma: an unusual clitoral mass

• Published in: American journal of obstetrics and gynecology Vol. 216; no. 3; pp. 319.e1 - 319.e2
• Main Authors: Sammarco, Anne G., MD, MPH, Abualnadi, Noor M., MD, Andraska, Elizabeth A., BS, Tracy, Paige V., BME, Berger, Mitchell B., MD, PhD, Haefner, Hope K., MD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-03-2017
• Subjects: Adult; clitoral tumor; Clitoris; clitoromegaly; Female; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures - methods; Humans; Neurilemmoma - pathology; Neurilemmoma - surgery; Obstetrics and Gynecology; schwannoma; Vulvar Neoplasms - pathology; Vulvar Neoplasms - surgery; clitoromegaly; schwannoma; clitoral tumor
• ISSN: 0002-9378; 1097-6868
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2016.10.038

Acquired clitoral enlargement is a rare condition resulting from a variety of etiologies, including tumors and excess androgens. Few cases of nonmalignant schwannoma, a benign tumor of the peripheral nerve sheath, have been reported in the literature as causes of clitoral enlargement in patients without known neurofibromatosis. These painless, slow-growing tumors rarely recur once excised. We present the initial investigation of a patient with a large clitoral schwannoma and subsequent treatment with partial vulvectomy. The workup, including advanced pelvic imaging for diagnosis and surgical planning, as well as removal of the clitoral tumor with preservation of functional tissue and restoration of normal vulvar anatomy despite a large excision, is demonstrated.