A rare clinical manifestation of plexiform neurofibroma in the absence of neurofibromatosis-1: a case report

Abstract

Plexiform neurofibroma is a benign tumor of peripheral nerves that occurs in up to 30% of patients with neurofibromatosis type-1 (NF-1). We present a case of a 15-year-old male patient without NF-1, with an 11-year history of a slow growing, painless mass on the left side of the back extending to the gluteal region, with no constitutional symptoms but with some scoliosis. Histology of the mass was compatible with a plexiform neurofibroma. Plexiform neurofibromas commonly occur in, but are not limited to the craniofacial region. The mainstay of treatment is surgical resection, but complete resectability is challenging due to their locally infiltrative growth pattern. This highlights the need for patient-specific management strategies, even when established guidelines are in place.