OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this narrative review is to summarize pain symptomatology and mechanisms in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), discuss the pain related quality of life impacts of NF1, and discuss the literature exploring interventions to improve quality of life.
RESULTS: Chronic pain in NF1 is described as headache and non-headache pain. The literature describes mechanisms contributing to neuronal hyperexcitability in the setting of reduced neurofibromin as key contributors to pain in NF1. Pain in NF1 negatively impacts quality of life with pain interference, depression, anxiety, and cognitive functioning acting as important mediators. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) inhibitors are pharmacologic agents that interfere with pain mechanisms. Mind-body interventions improve coping skills to improve quality of life. Chronic pain in NF1 is heterogeneous with negative impacts on quality of life. New developments in pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions offer promising approaches to pain management and quality of life improvement. Additional research is necessary to validate the use of MEK inhibitors and mind-body interventions in the treatment of NF1.

BACKGROUND: Benign nerve sheath tumors presenting as solitary retroperitoneal masses (RBNSTs) pose a complex diagnostic challenge for multidisciplinary teams regarding differential diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning. This article reviews the role played by different imaging techniques in assessing RBNSTs and elucidates their typical pathological features with a particular emphasis on the correlation between imaging and histological findings. Furthermore, some examples of retroperitoneal tumors that merit consideration in the process of differential diagnosis based on cross-sectional investigations (CSIs) are reported. The correlation between tissue architecture and appearance on imaging can help increase the accuracy of differential diagnosis with other retroperitoneal neoplasms at CSIs.
UNASSIGNED: This educational review critically examines the correlation between imaging and histological features in solitary retroperitoneal benign nerve sheath tumors, offering valuable insights for improving the accuracy of differential diagnosis in clinical radiology.
CONCLUSIONS: RBNSTs are challenging to diagnose because they lack specific radiological features. Differential diagnosis of RBNSTs from other retroperitoneal neoplasms on imaging is complex. Surgical removal of RBNSTs is recommended for an accurate diagnosis.

A 53-year-old male patient presented with an incidental finding of a left kidney mass after being evaluated for elevated serum creatinine without having any symptoms. The left kidney mass was confirmed by ultrasound, computed tomography \'CT\' scan and magnetic resonance imaging \'MRI\'. A left radical nephrectomy was done, and histopathology confirmed the presence of intrarenal neurofibroma with no evidence of malignancy.

OBJECTIVE: Hybrid nerve sheath tumor (HNST) is a benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor with combined features of more than one histological type, such as schwannoma, neurofibroma, and perineurioma. It remains under-recognized in routine clinical practice. Herein, we describe an unusual case of intramuscular HNST of the thigh.
METHODS: The patient was a 41-year-old man with no history of trauma who presented with a 3-month history of a palpable mass in the right thigh. Physical examination revealed a 4-cm, elastic hard, mobile, nontender mass. Magnetic resonance imaging exhibited a well-circumscribed intramuscular mass with low-to-intermediate signal intensity on T1-weighted sequences and higher signal intensity peripherally and lower signal intensity centrally, representing a target sign, on T2-weighted sequences. Complete surgical excision of the tumor was carried out. Microscopically, the tumor showed dual histological components of both schwannoma and neurofibroma. Immunohistochemically, the schwannomatous component was strongly and diffusely positive for S-100 protein and negative for CD34, while the neurofibromatous component contained CD34-positive fibroblasts and S-100 protein-positive Schwann cells. Epithelial membrane antigen was negative for both components. These findings were consistent with a diagnosis of HNST (hybrid schwannoma/neurofibroma). The patient had no evidence of local recurrence and no neurological deficit at the final follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS: Although extremely rare, HNST should be included in the extended differential diagnosis of a well-circumscribed, intramuscular soft-tissue mass in the extremities, particularly in young and early middle-aged adults.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is the most frequent genodermatosis. Its cutaneous findings are key for early diagnosis, as they usually appear at early age. Café-au-lait macules are the most known cutaneous findings. Neurofibromas are the most frequent cutaneous tumors in patients with NF1, showing multiple clinical manifestations. They are classified as superficial and deep lesions, and su perficial neurofibromas are subdivided in cutaneous or subcutaneous. Some neurofibromas may be present since birth; however, most appear during adolescence. Neurofibromas constitute 2 out of 7 of the NIH criteria of Neurofibromatosis type 1. Most of them are benign, do not require treatment and their recognition allows an early diagnosis of the disease.
OBJECTIVE: To describe and classify neu rofibromas associated with NF1 through a clinical case.
METHODS: 18-year-old male diagnosed since childhood with NF1 presents with multiple oval nodules on his face, occipital area, and wrist, multiple blue-red macules on his back and an asymptomatic pink plaque in his thigh. Ultrasound of the nodules was suggestive of neurofibromas and a skin biopsy of the lesions in the back and thigh were consistent with cutaneous neurofibromas.
CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates the varied clinical manifestations of neurofibromas in adolescence. Recognition of neurofibromas by the pediatrician, pediatric neurologist and/or dermatologist is crucial for the early diagnosis of NF1.

This article describes the first recorded case of intratemporal neurofibroma in an infant. A literature review of all other existing cases of intratemporal neurofibroma is performed, finding that the majority of cases involve multiple segments and can be found in the mastoid segment most often. Most common symptoms described included facial paralysis, otalgia, and conductive hearing loss, respectively.

Gastrointestinal tactile corpuscle-like bodies are a rare, incidental, entirely benign finding. It is mainly reported in the colorectum and esophagus/gastro-esophageal junction. Rare cases have been documented in the stomach. Here, we present two cases of gastric and colonic tactile corpuscle-like bodies of a 38-year-old female and a 55-year-old male, respectively. Endoscopically, the colonic lesion was resected as an adenomatous polyp, while the gastric biopsies were taken to rule out Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) gastritis. Microscopically, both specimens revealed the same histopathologic aspects of eosinophilic fibrillary material with round to oval cells and peripherally placed nuclei. Immunohistochemically, these lesions were positive for anti-S100, confirming the diagnosis of tactile corpuscle-like bodies. A thorough literature review is provided.

Plexiform neurofibroma is a rare benign tumor and a special subtype of neurofibromatosis 1. This report is a literature review with a case of patient with facial hemorrhage observed at the site of neurofibroma removal in the right lower face due to minor trauma. Through PubMed search, using terms ((facial hematoma) OR (facial bleeding)) AND (neurofibromatosis), 86 articles were identified, and five related articles (six patients) were finally selected. Of the six patients, two had previously undergone embolization. However, as a result, all patients received open surgery to remove hematomas. The hemostatic methods mentioned were vascular ligation (five patients), hypotensive anesthesia (two patients), and postoperative blood transfusion (four patients). In conclusion, spontaneous or minimally traumatic bleeding is possible in neurofibromatosis patients. In most cases, it can be resolved by vascular ligation under hypotensive anesthesia. Optionally, prior embolization and supplementary tissue adhesive may be used.

UNASSIGNED: Brachial plexus region tumors are rare. In this study, we reviewed our experience with resection of tumors involving or adjacent to the brachial plexus to identify patterns in presentation and outcome.
UNASSIGNED: We report a retrospective case series of brachial plexus tumors operated on by a single surgeon at a single institution over 15 years. Outcome data were recorded from the most recent follow-up office visit. Findings were compared to a prior internal series and comparable series in the literature.
UNASSIGNED: From 2001 to 2016, 103 consecutive brachial plexus tumors in 98 patients met inclusion criteria. Ninety percent of patients presented with a palpable mass, and 81% had deficits in sensation, motor function, or both. Mean follow-up time was 10 months. Serious complications were infrequent. For patients with a preoperative motor deficit, the rate of postoperative motor decline was 10%. For patients without a preoperative motor deficit, the rate of postoperative motor decline was 35%, which decreased to 27% at 6 months. There were no differences in motor outcome based on extent of resection, tumor pathology, or age.
UNASSIGNED: We present one of the largest recent series of tumors of the brachial plexus region. Although the rate of worsened postoperative motor function was higher in those without preoperative weakness, the motor deficit improves over time and is no worse than antigravity strength in the majority of cases. Our findings help guide patient counseling in regard to postoperative motor function.

BACKGROUND: Various treatment options have been introduced for the management of primary tumors of the brachial plexus (BP), ranging from conservative therapy to wide local excision with/without postoperative chemoradiotherapy. However, no consensus exists regarding optimal treatment strategies based on collated and published data.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and outcome of patients with primary tumors of the BP who underwent surgical treatment.
METHODS: A systematic search of the four main online databases, including Web of Science (WOS), PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, was conducted.
METHODS: All related articles addressing the clinical outcome and role of surgical interventions for management of primary tumors of the BP.
METHODS: Optimal surgical and radiotherapeutic interventions for benign and malignant lesions based on the pathologic characteristics and location of primary BP tumors.
RESULTS: A total of 687 patients (693 tumors) with a mean age of 41.7±8.7 years old were evaluated. In total, 629 (90.8%) tumors were benign, and 64 (9.2%) were malignant, with a mean tumor size of 5.4±3.1 cm. The location of the tumor was reported for 639 patients. For these tumors, 444 (69.5%) originated from the supraclavicular region, and 195 (30.5%) were infraclavicular. The trunks were the most common location for tumor involvement, followed by the roots, cords, and terminal branches. Gross total resection was achieved in 432 patients and subtotal resection (STR) was performed in 109 patients. With neurofibromas, STR still resulted in good outcomes. The outcomes following treatment of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors were poor regardless of the type of resection. In general, symptoms related to pain and sensory issues resolved rapidly postoperatively. However, the resolution of motor deficits was often incomplete. Local tumor recurrence occurred in 15 (2.2%), patients and distant metastasis was observed in only eight (1.2%) cases. The overall mortality was 21 (3.1%) patients among the study population.
CONCLUSIONS: The main limitation was the lack of level I and II evidence.
CONCLUSIONS: The ideal management strategy for primary BP tumors is complete surgical resection. However, in some cases, particularly for neurofibromas, STR may be preferable to preserve maximal neurological function. The degree of surgical excision (total or subtotal) mainly depends on the pathological characteristics and primary location of the tumor.