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
