Publication:

A clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors

Background Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor (MPNST) is a rare aggressive sarcoma that develops within a peripheral nerve and forms a diagnostic challenge in view of its varied histomorphology. This short series highlights the clinicopathological spectrum of 11 cases of MPNST and the incidence of neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) association.

Methods This retrospective and descriptive study on MPNST was done in the department of pathology, Kasturba medical college Mangalore (ManipalUniversity),India over a period of three years from January 2008 to December 2010. Cases which were histopathologically diagnosed as MPNST were reviewed & immunostains was done where ever indicated to rule out the differentials.

Results A total of 11 cases of MPNST were documented with a wide age range of 17-85 years. Male:female ratio was 2.6:1. Extremities (63.64%) were found to be the most common site. Location wise most of the tumors were deep seated (63.64%) and maximum cases were high grade (54.55%). NF1 association was seen in 2 cases. Heterologous elements in the form of chondroid differentiation was seen in one case. Immunostain with S-100 was focally positive in all the cases.

Conclusion MPNST is a highly aggressive sarcoma with poor prognosis characterized by a challenge in its diagnosis as it has several mimics. Its diagnosis necessitates the incorporation of clinicopathological features and IHC with S-100 protein.