Nerve Sheath Tumors: Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, Schwannomas, and Neurofibromas

Peripheral nerve sheath tumors represent a spectrum of entities ranging from benign tumors, such as schwannoma, to high-grade malignant tumors termed malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. In this chapter, we discuss current concepts and problematic areas in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of peripheral nerve sheath tumors. We discuss the major categories of nerve sheath tumors including schwannomas, neurofibromas, and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. The different benign variants and their propensity for malignant transformation are highlighted. We suggest useful guidelines for the surgical management of these challenging cases. Finally, we discuss some of the advances in molecular biology that have provided new insights into the nature of the various peripheral nerve sheath tumors and suggest potential novel targeted therapeutic strategies for these tumors. This review contains 11 figures, 5 tables and 66 references. Key Words: malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, nerve sheath tumor, neurofibroma, neurofibromatosis, schwannoma, schwannomatosis, NF1, NF2