"Huge axillary mass - neurofibroma brachial plexus"

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Oncology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Axillary swellings are common, with lipomas, lymphadenopathy (Koch's, lymphoma), and other soft tissue masses being frequent diagnoses.
• Firm to hard, non-tender masses originating from the brachial plexus meninges are less common but clinically significant.
• While often benign, these masses can occasionally represent malignant tumors, necessitating accurate diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of brachial plexus neurofibroma presenting as an anterior chest wall and axillary mass.
• To emphasize the diagnostic considerations for uncommon brachial plexus tumors.
• To highlight the histopathological findings of neurofibroma in this anatomical location.

Main Methods:

• Clinical presentation of a 23-year-old male with an unexplained mass.
• Diagnostic workup including Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC).
• Surgical excision and subsequent histopathological examination of the mass.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with a mass in the anterior chest wall and armpit without other specific complaints.
• FNAC initially suggested a spindle cell tumor.
• Excision biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of neurofibroma of the brachial plexus.

Conclusions:

• Neurofibroma of the brachial plexus can present as a firm, non-tender axillary mass.
• Accurate histopathological diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management of brachial plexus tumors.
• This case underscores the importance of including nerve sheath tumors in the differential diagnosis of axillary swellings.