Surgical management of giant neurofibroma in soft tissue: a single-center retrospective analysis.

Abstract

Neurofibroma, a common benign tumor in soft tissue, continues to grow, and often appears to be giant. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the surgical treatment of 26 patients with giant neurofibromas in our clinic in the past 10 years from Jan. 2004 to Dec. 2013. The tumors were located in the head (n = 10), trunk (n = 9), limbs (n = 5), and multi-sites (n = 2). According to the location and extent of the lesion, as well as the adjacent anatomy, surgical management was performed to partially (n = 15) or almost completely (n = 11) resect the tumor. The wounds were repaired by skin flap or skin graft. Among them, one child with a giant tumor in the scalp underwent three times of skin expander treatment, and acquired complete removal of the tumor finally without baldness. Eleven cases underwent the interventional embolization of tumor's nutrient arteries, which successfully reduced the bleeding in operation. Most of the skin flap and skin graft survived well. After operation, the appearance of the patients and the function of the limbs were improved largely. In conclusion, for the giant neurofibroma, surgical treatment effectively reduces the tumor burden, rehabilitates the appearance and function, and so improves the quality of life. Skin expandor and interventional embolization of nutrient artery can be used when appropriate.