Spinal cord metastasis of a non-neurofibromatosis type-1 malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor: an unusual manifestation of a rare tumor

J Neurooncol. 2005 Sep;74(2):183-5. doi: 10.1007/s11060-004-4596-4.

Abstract

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors are rare spindle-cell sarcomas derived from Schwann cells or pluripotent cells of the neural crest. They arise from the spinal roots, peripheral nerves, brachial and lumbosacral plexi, cranial nerves and terminal nerve fibers within soft tissue, intestine, lung and bone. These tumors recur either locally, or metastasize distally. Most of these tumors occur in association with neurofibromatosis type 1. Spinal cord metastasis from malignant nerve sheath tumors associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 is very rare. We describe a rare case of near-total spinal cord metastasis in a patient with malignant nerve sheath tumor in the absence of neurofibromatosis, and highlight the microscopic findings and natural history of this disease process.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Benzenesulfonates / therapeutic use
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Lung Neoplasms / therapy
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Nerve Sheath Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Nerve Sheath Neoplasms / surgery
  • Neurofibroma / pathology*
  • Neurofibroma / therapy
  • Niacinamide / analogs & derivatives
  • Phenylurea Compounds
  • Pyridines / therapeutic use
  • Sorafenib
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / therapy

Substances

  • Benzenesulfonates
  • Phenylurea Compounds
  • Pyridines
  • Niacinamide
  • Sorafenib