Supratentorial brain schwannomas: an uncommon location for a common tumour.

INTRODUCTION

Intracranial schwannomas not related to cranial nerves are uncommon brain tumours. Such tumours account for less than 1% of all surgically treated schwannomas. Only 79 cases have been reported in the literature.

METHODS

We describe two cases treated in our centre. The patients are young women with seizures as a presenting symptom. Both underwent surgery with the presumptive diagnosis of benign brain tumour. Histopathological examination revealed the certain diagnosis of Schwannoma.

RESULTS

Good outcome was achieved with total excision of the tumour. Based on the literature, demographic data, clinical aspects, imaging features and theories on the possible origin of this rare tumour are discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

These tumours should be included in the differential diagnosis of supratentorial benign tumours in young adults. Total excision, whenever possible, is the treatment of choice.