Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of the oral mucosa: Case report and literature review

Abstract

Background: Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is an uncommon tumor in the head and neck region that develops either from a preexisting neurofibroma or de novo. Observation: We report here a case of MPNST of the buccal mucosa in a 40 years old female whose chief complaint was a recurrent painful nodule. The diagnosis is considered as the most elusive and difficult among soft tissue sarcomas because of its non specific presentation, both clinically and pathologically. Conclusion: This clinical case illustrates the challenge of delivering a pertinent diagnosis of MPNST due to its non-specific presentation both clinically and histopathologically. It also emphasizes the importance of a high level of vigilance when assessing painful mucosal lesions of normal aspect.

Keywords

• MPNST
• Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor
• Malignant schwannoma
• Oral cancer
• Oral oncology