Malignant Schwannoma in Pregnancy: A Case Report and Literature Review

ABSTRACT

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors in pregnancy are an uncommon finding. This diagnosis in a pregnant patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 poses additional treatment dilemmas. A 28-year-old primigravida with known neurofibromatosis type 1 complained of increasing shortness of breath and cough. Evaluation revealed a large chest mass, biopsy proven to be a malignant schwannoma. This malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, discovered at 26 weeks' gestation, grew so rapidly that delivery was necessary at 30 weeks' gestation. Management of pregnant patients with rare, rapidly growing tumors may require early delivery in cases where maternal health is in jeopardy.

KEYWORDS

Pregnancy - cancer - neurofibromatosis - nerve sheath tumor

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