Diagnostic criteria and therapeutic advances in intrathoracic schwannoma

Background: Schwannoma is a benign neoplasm derived from Schwann cells. It is usually located in the intracranial nerves, however intrathoracic presentation is possible, leadings to compression of adjacent structures and symptoms. The absence of findings on physical examination and the presence of mild symptoms (or absent) and common to other diseases makes the challenging diagnosis, accomplished through imaging. Treatment consists of surgical resection by thoracotomy or thoracoscopy. This study aimed to review these subject, with an emphasis on the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches currently available. Method: Articles were selected by searching the Scopus, Scielo, PubMed and Web of Science databases using the Key words: schwannoma, neurinoma, neurilemmoma, nerve tissue neoplasm, thoracotomy, thoracoscopy and mediastinal neoplasms. Results: Intrathoracic schwannoma often presents as asymptomatic and is identified during routine imaging tests. The recommended treatment is surgical resection by thoracoscopy or thoracotomy.