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DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1236439
Malignant Schwannoma in Pregnancy: A Case Report and Literature Review
Publication History
Publication Date:
17 August 2009 (online)
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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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William J WatsonM.D.
Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
Charlton 3B, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905
Email: watson.william@mayo.edu