Diagnosis, treatment and survival of 65 patients with malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors.

Abstract

Our data indicate, that MPNST are tumor entities with a high rate of initial diagnoses that subsequently need to be adjusted (32%). Therefore, reference pathology should be requested. Tumor localization close to major nerves often results in functional restrictions after tumor resection. Because of the low mean life expectancy, early functional reconstructions by tendon transfer should be performed instead of nerve repair. Despite less radical tumor excision with often marginal resections, the survival rate is comparable to that of the literature where patients were treated with more radical procedures.