Tumor resection and partial skin graft placement on the scalp in a patient with Neurofibromatosis type 1

▪ ABSTRACT

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an inherited neurocutaneous disorder in which tumors form in the nervous system (neurofibromas). Neurofibromas are the most common benign tumors in NF1. The type, size, number, and location of the neurofibromas should be considered for the choice of treatment. We present a case of NF1, in which a wide scalp resection was performed due to the presence of multiple neurofibromas. Associated with this, reconstruction was performed with advancement flaps plus partial skin autograft with favorable results and good coverage of the areas where the tumors were removed.

Keywords:

Transplantation - autologous - Neurofibromatosis 1 - Neurofibroma - Scalp - Plastic surgery procedures

INTRODUCTION

The scalp is an area of considerable thickness, little elasticity, and abundant vascularization. These characteristics make surgical procedures in the area difficult due to the appearance of complications such as profuse intraoperative bleeding. We present a case of NF1 in which a wide scalp resection was performed due to the presence of multiple neurofibromas and reconstruction with advanced flaps plus partial skin autograft (PSA).

CASE HISTORY

A 44-year-old male patient, with a history of NF1, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, came to the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery due to the presence of multiple tumors of varying shapes and sizes on the scalp, some of them with purulent discharge and pain. Ten years ago, local surgical resection of neurofibromas in the nose was performed. On physical examination, multiple neurofibromas were seen on the scalp and face ([Figure 1]), café-au-lait spots on the axillary flexure, and Lisch nodules.

Figura 1. A: Neurofibromas elevados, pedunculados e de base larga, com até aproximadamente 5cm de diâmetro e sensíveis à palpação, são observados no couro cabeludo. B: Vista superior dos neurofibromas no couro cabeludo. C: Múltiplos neurofibromas de até aproximadamente 1cm de diâmetro podem ser observados na metade superior da face e nariz.

In the Computerized Tomography (CT) of the head and neck, scattered nodular formations of different sizes with a density equivalent to soft tissue are observed in the scalp, and with irregular enhancement in the image after contrast administration, characteristics corresponding to neurofibromas ([Figure 2A]). The surrounding bone tissue was intact, without the presence of erosions or signs of intracranial extension ([Figure 2B]/[2C]).

Figura 2. Tomografia computadorizada de cabeça e pescoço. A) Neurofibromas múltiplos no couro cabeludo, com tamanhos de 3 x 4mm a 48 x 25mm. B) Na janela óssea, não são observadas erosões ou infiltrações do tecido ósseo circundante. C) Nenhuma evidência de extensão intracraniana.

Due to the clinic, the size, and wide distribution of the neurofibromas, it was decided to perform a partial surgical excision of the scalp. The procedure involved a two-stage approach due to the impracticality of individually excising extensive and progressive neurofibromas on the scalp. The first stage included the radical resection of affected scalp areas, followed by the placement of a PSA for rapid coverage.

This decision considered patient preferences and the explanation of treatment options. Free tissue transfer was chosen over local flaps to address scalp defects, aiming to prevent adherence failure and defect enlargement. The use of a PSA for scalp reconstruction was preferred for its simplicity and functionality.

Regarding the surgical intervention. After administration of general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation, the lesions were marked with methylene blue, then Klein’s tumescent solution was infiltrated in the subperiosteal plane. With a number 15 scalpel, a cut is made perpendicular to the scalp on the pre-marked design. With electrocautery, dissection was performed up to the periosteal plane, removing the scalp with the neurofibromas ([Figure 3]). Advancement flaps are made with Baroudi sutures (progressive tension sutures) on all edges, achieving the reduction of the resulting defect.

Figura 3. Área do couro cabeludo extraída até o periósteo.

The PSA was harvested with an electrical dermatome, the donor area was the anterolateral aspect of the right thigh. The PSA was prepared by placing it on paraffin gauze, with diffuse micro-openings made with a scalpel 11, and after placement, it was sutured with a tie-over dressing. A hydrocolloid dressing and a compressive bandage were placed on the donor area. The patient had postoperative recovery without complications.

The PSA is discovered on day 10, finding good integration, without the presence of residual ulcers, hematomas, or seromas ([Figure 4]). In the donor area, it was found in the process of re-epithelialization, so it was decided to place a new hydrocolloid dressing plus an occlusive bandage. The patient was discharged, and he did not require any type of coverage over the donor area and the PSA had a good evolution.

Figura 4. Autoenxerto parcial de pele após 10 dias.

DISCUSSION

NF1 is an autosomal dominant genetic disease with multiorgan involvement and has an approximate global prevalence of 1 case per 3,000 live births[1]. All cases have a germline mutation of the NF1 gene, however, there is a high variability in the presentation of clinical characteristics[1]. The main clinical feature of NF1 is neurofibroma, a nerve sheath tumor formed from spinal, peripheral, or cranial nerves.

Neurofibromas are the most frequent benign tumors in NF1 and different types have been described, such as cutaneous, subcutaneous, and plexiform neurofibromas[2]. Other clinical features include pigmentary lesions (café au lait macule), skeletal abnormalities, behavioral abnormalities, and low-grade gliomas[1].

The most common and striking dermatological finding of NF1 is the presence of several cutaneous neurofibromas (cNFs) of different sizes and shapes[2]. cNFs have several cellular components (Schwann cells, fibroblasts, macrophages, and mast cells) and are supported by an extracellular matrix within the dermis[1] [3].

cNFs have several stages depending on their clinical appearance: the nascent stage (not clinically observable), the flat stage (thinning or hyperpigmentation of the skin), the sessile stage (raised papule), the globular stage (a base of 20 to 30 mm and height), and the pedunculate stage (dermal contents supported by a visible stalk)[4]. Common neurological concomitant symptoms of cNFs are pain and itching, and inadequate drying after wetting can cause maceration, skin breakdown, and superficial infections[5].

It should be noted that physical disfigurement from multiple neurofibromas is associated with less quality of life due to psychosocial burden, low self-esteem, and interference with daily, social, and economic activities[6]. This is why treatment is justified, especially with the presence of severe symptoms and/or aesthetic disfigurement[4]. In our case, the presence of multiple neurofibromas was evidenced, mainly in the scalp, which caused an important aesthetic disfigurement in the head, concomitant pain, and signs of infection such as purulent discharge.

Currently, there is no accepted gold standard for the treatment of cNFs[5]. For the choice of treatment, the type, size, number, and location of the neurofibroma should be considered[4]. Surgical excision is still the most effective method, however, it does not prevent the formation of future neurofibromas[5]. People with NF1 generally have an extensive tumor burden that covers a large area of their body surface and due to the progression of the disease, the surgical procedures that are performed are usually multi-stage[4].

In our case, due to the progression, and extensive extension of the neurofibromas in the scalp, individual excision of each neurofibroma was not feasible, so it was decided to perform a more robust surgical approach in 2 stages, first with radical resection of the neurofibroma. Affected scalp area and subsequent placement of the PSA, obtaining favorable results in the short term[7]. This treatment decision was made taking into account the patient’s preferences and needs, who chose after having all of his treatment options explained to him.

Another therapeutic technique that could have been used is local scalp flaps (advancement or rotation) previously expanded with tissue expanders since they present certain advantages such as a better aesthetic finish in color and texture, resistance, and long-term durability[9]. However, to cover scalp defects it is advisable to perform free tissue transfer instead of local flaps, since the failure of adherence to the flaps can increase the defect[10]. For the reconstruction of the scalp a PSA was placed as it was the simplest and most functional form that ensured a rapid coverage of the exposed area[10]. However, identification and excision of these tumors early in their development would have given better aesthetic results.

Although the use of PSA is a convenient technique for the reconstruction of large scalp defects, these grafts have some disadvantages[11]. Alopecia would be one of the future consequences of the placement of the PSA[12]. An autologous hair transplant from preserved areas of the scalp could be an alternative for alopecia, however, this technique is reserved for small areas[13]. In addition, Schwann cells are considered to be the tumor cells of cNFs,[2] and they make up an important cell population in the dermis[14], therefore, their presence in the PSA and autologous hair transplant could lead to the future development of cNFs in the area. Furthermore, PSA mobilization is limited and not similar to that of the normal scalp, and they are sometimes quite fragile and susceptible to shear forces.[12] In our patient we prioritized a reconstruction that would allow us to cover the entire scalp and easily observe the appearance of tumors in the future.

CONCLUSION

In this report, we describe the surgical management of multiple cNFs on the scalp in a patient with NF1. The resection of the affected scalp and the reconstruction of the resected area with advancement flaps and placement of partial skin autograft gave acceptable results that will have a positive impact on the patient’s quality of life in the future.

Conflicts of interest:

none.

Institution: Departamento de Cirugía Plástica Reconstructiva, Hospital Nacional Eduardo Rebagliati Martins, Lima, Peru.

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Publication History

Received: 07 June 2023

Accepted: 04 February 2024

Article published online:
20 May 2025