A Case Report and Review of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges of a Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor in the Foot

Abstract

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors are rare. It is a soft tissue carcinoma with an aggressive nature, and it is usually associated with a poor prognosis. Common clinical presentations may include local pain, weakness, a growing mass, tingling, and numbness due to the compression of adjacent nerves or tissues, as well as weakness in affected nerves. Radiological assessment tools, such as magnetic resonance imaging and histopathological analysis, can confirm the diagnosis of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. A multidisciplinary approach can manage these tumors with a timely follow-up to improve the outcomes. This is the case report of a 56-year-old female with a painless lesion on her left foot for 15 years, which recently started causing pain and a sticky discharge over the past six months. The patient was later diagnosed with a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor on histopathological examination, which was managed by forefoot excision without any complications. The patient recovered well at the three-month follow-up with no new complaints.