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Tumors of the brachial plexus
M D Lusk1, D G Kline, C A Garcia
1Department of Neurosurgery, Louisiana State University Medical Center, Charity Hospital, New Orleans.
Neurosurgery
|October 1, 1987
Summary
Surgical outcomes for brachial plexus tumors vary by type. Benign tumors like neurofibromas and schwannomas are often resectable with good results, while malignant tumors may require more aggressive treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Oncology
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Tumors involving the brachial plexus are rare and can significantly impact neurological function.
- Understanding tumor types and their clinical presentation is crucial for surgical planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the surgical outcomes of various brachial plexus tumors.
- To correlate tumor characteristics with clinical presentation and surgical results.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 57 brachial plexus tumors in 56 patients over 17 years.
- Classification of tumors into neural sheath and non-neural sheath origins.
- Correlation of presenting symptoms, tumor type, and surgical outcomes.
Main Results:
- 40 neural sheath tumors (neurofibromas, schwannomas, malignant tumors) and 17 non-neural sheath tumors (benign and metastatic) were analyzed.
- Benign neurofibromas and malignant tumors often presented with pain or deficit, schwannomas with a mass.
- Solitary neurofibromas were resectable with minimal deficit; VRD-associated neurofibromas had variable outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Surgical intervention for brachial plexus tumors is recommended, especially with suspected malignancy or significant symptoms.
- Benign tumors can often be removed without neurological compromise.
- Malignant intrinsic tumors may necessitate forequarter amputation.