Schwannoma of the Foot Masquerading as a Ganglion Cyst: A Case Report

Abstract Schwannomas of the foot are rare benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors that often mimic benign soft-tissue lesions such as ganglion cysts or lipomas. Here, we report such a case of a 60-year-old Indian woman who presented with a slowly enlarging swelling over the dorsum of her left foot. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a well-defined cystic lesion appearing hyperintense on T2W/STIR images, raising impression for a ganglion cyst. Complete surgical excision was achieved, and histopathology revealed an encapsulated neoplasm composed of a biphasic pattern with compact hypercellular Antoni A and myxoid hypocellular Antoni B areas, confirming benign schwannoma. This case report emphasizes the importance of considering nerve sheath tumors in the differential diagnosis of long-standing foot masses, particularly when pain or neurological symptoms develop.