Mobile schwannomas of the spine: Diagnostic and surgical considerations of two cases.

Abstract

Mobile schwannomas, or schwann cell tumors, are rare, but their ability to migrate within the spinal canal complicates diagnosis and treatment. We report two cases of mobile schwannomas in the lower thoracic and lumbar spine, both presenting with intermittent low back and leg pain and leg numbness. MRIs revealed cystic masses that shifted positions over time, eventually causing disruptive pain that prompted surgical intervention. Postoperative outcomes were favorable, highlighting the importance of considering tumor mobility in preoperative planning. Mobile schwannomas present diagnostic and surgical challenges. Recognizing the potential for tumor mobility is crucial in developing effective treatment strategies, as it impacts clinical presentation and surgical approach.