Benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor of the extremities: a retrospective analysis and review of the literature

Abstract

Peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs) are a group of primary neurogenic tumors. Most of these tumors are benign. The malignant transformation could occur, especially in large tumors and those associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF 1). These tumors can cause pain, nerve damage and loss of function in the affected extremities. Treatment usually includes surgery to remove the tumor or observation. Benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors (BPNST) include schwannoma, neurofibroma, and perineurium. This study aims to evaluate the demographic data, admission complaints, diagnosis, and surgical treatment steps of the patients who were operated on due to peripheral nerve sheath tumors and to compare the data with the literature. In this study, a retrospective examination was made of patients who presented with complaints of pain and swelling and were treated surgically in the Orthopedics and Traumatology Clinic of the 3rd Step University Hospital and diagnosed with BPNST between January 2010 and April 2022. The study included 107 patients diagnosed with benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors. 56 of 107 patients were excluded because the tumor was around the spine, head and neck. A total of 51 patients, 31 schwannomas, 12 neurofibroma, three traumatic neuromas, three plexiform schwannoma and two plexiform neurofibroma, were evaluated, and the data were analyzed. The most common subtype of BPNST was determined to be schwannoma and followed by neurofibroma. Benign nerve tumors originate from the nerve sheath. The most common are schwannoma, followed by neurofibromas. Typically surgical excision is recommended for BPNTS causing pain, swelling or other symptoms. Following surgical treatment, temporary postoperative symptoms could occur, like pain, paraesthesia, and sensory or motor function of the affected nerve. A biopsy should be planned when malignancy is suspected, and an experienced team should diagnose and treat these patients.

Keywords

• Schwannoma
• Neurofibroma
• Peripheral nerve sheath tumor
• Benign

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