PERIPHERAL NERVE SHEATH TUMORS: CLINICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS – A RETROSPECTIVE CASE SERIES OF 46 PATIENTS

Mihajlo Ćurčić; Dražen Radanović; Andrija Savić; Sonja Giljača; Milutin Mrvaljević; Vanja Misić Mandić; Marija Rudić; Lukas Rasulić

doi:10.5937/zdravzast54-60632

Mihajlo Ćurčić Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia; Clinic of Neurosurgery, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
Dražen Radanović Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia; Clinic of Neurosurgery, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia; Institute of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1910-6000
Andrija Savić Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia; Clinic of Neurosurgery, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
Sonja Giljača Institute of Public Health of Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
Milutin Mrvaljević Emergency Centre, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
Vanja Misić Mandić Emergency Centre, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia; Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation, Center for Anesthesiology and Resuscitation, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
Marija Rudić Emergency Centre, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia; Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation, Center for Anesthesiology and Resuscitation, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
Lukas Rasulić Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia; Clinic of Neurosurgery, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5937/zdravzast54-60632

Keywords: peripheral nerve sheath tumors, Schwannoma, Neurofibromatosis type 1, MPNST

Abstract

Introduction/Aim: Peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs) represent a diverse group of neoplasms arising from Schwann cells and fibroblasts of peripheral nerves. Their heterogeneous nature and variable association with neurofibromatosis (NF) syndromes necessitate a comprehensive understanding of their epidemiological and clinical profiles. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of persons with peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs) diagnosed during the last five years.

Methods: In this stusy, the retrospective analysis of 46 patients with histologically confirmed peripheral nerve sheath tumors was conducted. All subjects were included in the study in the period from January 1st, 2020 to January 1st, 2025. All necessary data were collected from the medical records of these patients. Demographic data, tumor type, anatomical location, presence of neurofibromatosis, time from symptom onset to surgery, and clinical manifestations were evaluated.

Results: Schwannomas were the most common tumor type (73.9%), followed by malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) (15.2%) and neurofibromas (10.9%). The most frequent tumor localization was the upper extremities. Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) was present in 19.6% of patients.

Conclusion: Peripheral nerve sheath tumors are predominantly benign and most commonly located in the upper extremities. Neurofibromatosis remains an important risk factor, particularly in patients with multiple lesions.

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