Atypical presentation of an ancient retroperitoneal schwannoma mimicking a renal hydatid cyst: a case report and literature review

Abstract Schwannomas are benign neurogenic encapsulated peripheral nerve tumors of Schwann cells that rarely occur in the retroperitoneum. We present a case of a 22-year-old man who presented with right flank pain and was initially diagnosed as hydatid cyst based on the imaging and borderline results of anti-echinococcus (IgG). Albendazole was prescribed and taken for 4 months with no response and later underwent surgical excision of the mass. The diagnosis and morphology confirmed the nature of the schwannoma. Complete surgical excision remains the gold standard for the management of these tumors. The preoperative diagnosis is usually difficult; however, the definitive diagnosis is made upon histopathological examination.Author name: Please confirm if the author name are presented accurately and in the correct sequence (given name, middle name/initial, family name). Author 4 Given name: Asad Shahzad, Last name: Hasan.correct