MALIGNANT PERIPHERAL NERVE SHEATH TUMOR: A CASE REPORT

Introduction: Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs') are spindle cell sarcomas and they arise from the peripheral nerve tumors, neurofibromas and nerve sheaths differentiation. They are commonly seen large nerves on extremities and trunk. MPNSTs' are highly aggressive tumors which appear approximately 10% of all soft tissue sarcomas. They present as an enlarging mass and often associated with pain and nerve deficit. In accordance with the literature, the mass location is left front arm to our case. Case report: Ninety one year-old woman, referred to our clinic with mass which had been localized on the left anterolateral forearm. Upon examination, 8x4x5 cm sized, mobile and solid mass evaluated. The patient had not any compliant about pain and nerve defiency. The mass and skin excision was performed and primer closure was applied for defect. Findings: The mass was 8x6x6 cm sized macroscopically. Microscopically, wide spread coagulation necrosis was determined and pathologic diagnosis was reported as malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Discussion: MPNSTs' were usually developed sporadically also seen related to radiotherapy or neurofibromatosis type 1. Furthermore, these aggressive tumors have %40 ratio of local recurrence and %50 ratio of metastasis. The patients, who have MPNST, usually presented with complaints about local pain and deficit of specific nerve function. Conversely, our case has not any compliant about pain and nerve dysfunction. Conclusion: Definitive diagnosis of extremity and trunk mass in elder patients, MPNSTs' may be kept in mind even without pain and nerve deficit.