Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumours

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours present in five main clinical patterns: 1) the most common form are those that affect the thoracic limb innervations (brachial plexus or the nerve roots supplying the brachial plexus), 2) those affecting the pelvic limb innervation, 3) those occurring peripherally in the limbs (usually in the absence of neurological deficits and rather present as a solitary mass), 4) those occurring in the upper cervical or thoracolumbar region and resulting in clinical signs following invasion of the spinal cord, and 5) those affecting the cranial nerves, most commonly trigeminal nerve root tumours affecting the mandibular branch of cranial nerve V (trigeminal).

Thoracic Limb Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumours

Malignant peripheral nerve root tumours affecting the thoracic limbs are the most common presentation and may be subdivided into two types: those affecting the nerve roots (and therefore invading the vertebral canal) and those affecting the brachial plexus. Malignant peripheral nerve root tumours occurring peripherally in the limb usually present as solitary masses and not as neurological deficits. [...]