From numbness to diagnosis: a case of median nerve schwannoma

Schwannomas are a common entity, but upper limb schwannomas are rarely encountered. Even in hand, ulnar nerve schwannomas are more commonly published than median nerve schwannomas. Hence, we present a case report of median nerve schwannoma in a 54-year-old woman. She presented with a benign swelling of 3 cm associated with numbness and pain. On examination, Tinels sign was positive. MRI revealed a well-defined swelling that was hypointense on T1 and hyperintense on T2 STIR images. The swelling was marginally excised, and histopathology revealed the presence of Antoni A and B cells, consistent with Schwannoma. The patient was completely asymptomatic at 1-month follow-up. This case report stands as a testament to how early diagnosis and treatment can help in alleviating the physical as well as psychological stress in such patients.