Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 24, 2026

Author Spotlight: Genetically Engineered Mouse Models and Pathological Characterization of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Associated Tumors
Published on: May 17, 2024
Nerve-adjacent endometriosis mimicking a suprapubic nerve sheath tumor: illustrative case
Maxwell B Wang1, Vijay Letchuman1, Ilay Caliskan2
1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California.
Background:
Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disorder characterized by ectopic endometrial tissue, commonly affecting pelvic structures. Rarely, it occurs in extrapelvic locations, mimicking other pathologies and posing diagnostic challenges.
Observations:
The authors describe the case of a 44-year-old female with a slowly growing, uncomfortable suprapubic mass, with an MRI study demonstrating a 1.1-cm enhancing soft tissue lesion overlying the right pubic symphysis. Fine-needle biopsy was inconclusive. Peripheral nerve involvement was suspected due to its radiographic features, associated allodynia, and painful nature of the biopsy. Excision was performed due to suspicion of a peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Histopathological examination confirmed ectopic endometrial tissue. Prior cases and the pathogenesis and characteristics of extrapelvic endometriosis are reviewed.
Lessons:
This case highlights the importance of considering endometriosis in the differential diagnosis of nerve-adjacent soft tissue masses in women of reproductive age. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE25642.
Related Concept Videos
Nerve Supply of the GI Tract
The enteric nervous system consists of two major plexuses: the myenteric plexus (Auerbach's plexus) and the submucosal plexus (Meissner's plexus). These plexuses are located within the layers of...
Spinal Nerves: Plexus II
The Lumbar Plexus
The lumbar plexus is situated within the lumbar region of the back and is primarily formed by the first four lumbar spinal nerves (L1 to L4). This plexus extends its branches into several nerves, including the...
Cranial Nerves: Types Part I
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
Cranial Nerves: Types Part II
Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
Cranial nerve VII, or the facial nerve,...
Spinal Nerves: Anatomy
There are 31 bilateral pairs of spinal nerves, each emerging from the spinal cord through the intervertebral foramina—openings between adjacent vertebrae. These nerves are...
Spinal Nerves: Plexus I
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...

