Retrospective analysis of the clinical presentation and imaging of eight primary benign mediastinal schwannomas.

We found eight patients, five men and three women, with an average age of 51 years for this study. The main signs and symptoms at diagnosis were chest pain, dyspnea, cough, and dysphagia. CT showed that the tumor was located in the posterior compartment of the chest in 7/8 cases. Tumors > 10 cm were more heterogeneous and showed cystic changes. All patients underwent posterolateral thoracotomy, and radiological follow-up showed no evidence of recurrence. Histological analysis was considered the gold standard to confirm diagnosis, along with at least one neurogenic IHC marker. In conclusion, mediastinal schwannomas are benign encapsulated tumors. According to CT, schwannomas > 10 cm show cystic degeneration more frequently. Posterolateral thoracotomy allows complete resection and is considered the surgical approach of choice.