Solitary malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of the pancreas

Primary malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors of the pancreas are rare. This is a report of a 72 year-old African male who presented with an 8 lb. weight loss and anorexia. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a 12 cm mid pancreatic mass. An 85% pancreatectomy (with splenectomy) was performed. Immunohistopathologic and ultrastructural (electron microscopy) evaluation established the schwann cell origin of this neoplasm. The clinical management and pathologic findings are discussed in this report as well as a review of the literature.