Retroperitoneal nerve sheath tumors: an unusual cause of pelvic mass. 1988

V P Hunter, and T W Burke, and L A Crooks
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

Solitary nerve sheath tumors can arise in peripheral, cranial, or sympathetic nerves at virtually any anatomic site. Although origin along the nerves of the retroperitoneal space is not uncommon, these tumors rarely present as pelvic masses. We describe two patients found to have benign nerve sheath tumors of the sacral plexus. Neurilemomas (schwannomas) and neurofibromas are thought to result from a proliferation of perineural cells. These tumors are characteristically firm, smooth, and asymptomatic. They range in size from 1-2 mm to over 20 cm. Surgical excision can usually be accomplished by enucleation of the tumor without damage to the adjacent nerve. Resection of sacral plexus tumors requires knowledge of pelvic retroperitoneal anatomy to avoid injuries to the nearby vascular and urinary structures.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008160 Lumbosacral Plexus The lumbar and sacral plexuses taken together. The fibers of the lumbosacral plexus originate in the lumbar and upper sacral spinal cord (L1 to S3) and innervate the lower extremities. Inferior Cluneal Nerves,Lumbar Plexus,Posterior Femoral Cutaneous Nerve,Sacral Plexus,Cluneal Nerve, Inferior,Cluneal Nerves, Inferior,Inferior Cluneal Nerve,Nerve, Inferior Cluneal,Nerves, Inferior Cluneal,Plexus, Lumbar,Plexus, Lumbosacral,Plexus, Sacral
D009442 Neurilemmoma A neoplasm that arises from SCHWANN CELLS of the cranial, peripheral, and autonomic nerves. Clinically, these tumors may present as a cranial neuropathy, abdominal or soft tissue mass, intracranial lesion, or with spinal cord compression. Histologically, these tumors are encapsulated, highly vascular, and composed of a homogenous pattern of biphasic fusiform-shaped cells that may have a palisaded appearance. (From DeVita Jr et al., Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology, 5th ed, pp964-5) Neurinoma,Schwannoma,Schwannomatosis, Plexiform,Neurilemoma,Neurilemmomas,Neurilemomas,Neurinomas,Plexiform Schwannomatoses,Plexiform Schwannomatosis,Schwannomas
D009455 Neurofibroma A moderately firm, benign, encapsulated tumor resulting from proliferation of SCHWANN CELLS and FIBROBLASTS that includes portions of nerve fibers. The tumors usually develop along peripheral or cranial nerves and are a central feature of NEUROFIBROMATOSIS 1, where they may occur intracranially or involve spinal roots. Pathologic features include fusiform enlargement of the involved nerve. Microscopic examination reveals a disorganized and loose cellular pattern with elongated nuclei intermixed with fibrous strands. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p1016) Neurofibromas
D010524 Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms Neoplasms which arise from peripheral nerve tissue. This includes NEUROFIBROMAS; SCHWANNOMAS; GRANULAR CELL TUMORS; and malignant peripheral NERVE SHEATH NEOPLASMS. (From DeVita Jr et al., Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology, 5th ed, pp1750-1) Peripheral Nerve Neoplasms,Peripheral Nerve Neoplasms, Benign,Peripheral Nerve Neoplasms, Malignant,Peripheral Nerve Neoplastic Infiltration,Peripheral Nerve Tumors,Peripheral Nervous System Benign Neoplasms,Peripheral Nervous System Malignant Neoplasms,Neoplasm, Peripheral Nerve,Neoplasms, Peripheral Nerve,Nerve Neoplasm, Peripheral,Nerve Neoplasms, Peripheral,Nerve Tumor, Peripheral,Nerve Tumors, Peripheral,Peripheral Nerve Neoplasm,Peripheral Nerve Tumor,Tumor, Peripheral Nerve,Tumors, Peripheral Nerve
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults

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