Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumour Presenting as a Neck Mass

摘要

Introduction: Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) occurring in the head and neck region is an uncommon condition. It is an extremely rare soft tissue tumor amongst the paediatric population. Its close proximity to the neurovascular structures in the head and neck region often poses a hindrance in achieving adequate tumor clearance.Clinical presentation: We report a case of MPNST in a 12-year-old boy who presented with a rapidly enlarging painful left neck mass. Imaging studies showed a dumbbell shaped tumor arising from icvel C3-C4, encasing the left vertebral artery and with some parts of the left internal carotid artery having poor plane of demarcation with the mass.Discussion: We highlight the precautions taken during the surgical approach in ensuring optimum outcome for this patient namely, by employing the use of ultrasonic aspirator to achieve complete tumor clearance and by minimizing trauma to the vascular structures via intraoperative carotid artery catheterization.