Schwannoma of Labia Minora: A common neoplasm with an unusual anatomical twist

ABSTRACT

Schwannoma is a benign mesenchymal tumor that arises from the Schwann cells. It can occur in both males and females with an equal incidence (M: F-1:1), with the most common age being the third to fourth decade. The tumors show a predilection for the head and neck region, flexural surfaces of extremities, posterior mediastinum, and retroperitoneum. However, the external female genitals are an extremely rare anatomical site for their occurrence. Herein, we outline one such rare case of a benign vulvar schwannoma on the labia minora in a 34-year-old woman. Most patients of vulvar schwannoma present with a characteristically painless mass, making clinical diagnosis difficult. Hematoxylin and Eosin staining of a conventional schwannoma reveals a characteristic pattern of Antoni type A and B areas along with Verocay bodies. On IHC, schwannomas characteristically stain positive for S-100, indicating the neural origin of the tumor. Surgical removal of the mass is the standard treatment of choice with an excellent prognosis.