A benign tumor of the sciatic nerve: case report and review of the literature

Tumors arising from the sciatic nerve are a rare occurrence. A case is described of such a tumor developing as a large painless mass in the posterior right midthigh. The preoperative diagnosis was easily achieved by means of ultrasonography and computed tomography. Excision of the tumor, with preservation of the involved nerve, was performed. Microscopic examination showed a neurofibroma with however some features of a schwannoma. Problems of histological diagnosis and treatment are emphasized.