Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge

Peripheral nerve tumors are a group of rare soft tissue tumors of neuro-ectodermal origin. Although the majority of them are benign in nature, up to 10% can be malignant. The symptoms depend on the site, size, and structures compressed by the tumor.

To highlight the heterogeneity of signs and symptoms and their presentations, which has often made it difficult for the attending physician to accurately diagnose and direct the patient toward appropriate treatment.

Eight patients treated at our tertiary care hospital between 2015 and 2022 were included in this study. They were evaluated in detail. Treatment was surgical. The patients underwent complete excision of the tumor under magnification to help preserve the adjacent neurovascular bundle. All patients were followed up post-operatively to document the status of their symptoms.

The average duration prior to referral to our hospital was 13 months. Seven subjects had pain at presentation, one had neurological deficit. Seven also complained of swelling. Five of the eight lesions were schwannoma, two neurofibroma and one showed malignant histology. Post-operatively, Hoffman Tinel signs improved in all six subjects. five of the seven subjects were completely pain-free, and the other two had a reduction in symptoms.

Early diagnosis and referral to a specialist center are needed to achieve satisfactory outcomes while treating peripheral nerve tumors. Proliferative lesions should be treated surgically in specialist centers by experienced doctors with appropriate skills and equipment for microsurgical procedures to ensure full recovery.