Neurofibromatosis: a diagnostic mimicker on CT in a known case of malignancy

A known case of early carcinoma cervix was found to have mediastinal widening on chest radiograph and hypoechoic oval retroperitoneal lesions on USG abdomen. CECT chest and abdomen showed these to be non enhancing lymph node like round to oval discrete mass lesions in mediastinum, abdomen and pelvis. With no other suggestion of carcinoma spread, local or distant and uncommon incidence of extensive lymphadenopathy in a early carcinoma cervix, biopsy from one of the representative lesion was performed which revealed it to be benign neurofibroma. Differentiation of these strategically located benign nerve sheath tumors from lymphadenopathy can sometimes be challenging on CT scan and in a known case of malignancy or with history of surgery for malignant neoplasm it may cause concern for disease spread or local tumor recurrence. Associated imaging and clinical features can sometimes be helpful in reaching the correct diagnosis.