• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.174-178
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• 2008

Background and Objectives：Peripheral nerve sheath tumors(PNSTs) are uncommon neoplasm in the head and neck region. The treatment of PNSTs is surgical removal, but excision cause neurologic complications. This study was performed to evaluate the proper diagnosis and treatment of PNSTs with our experiences. Subjects and Method：During the period from October 1994 to July 2007, 58 patients were diagonised with PNSTs in head and neck region. We reviewed medical records and imaging study retrospectively. Result：95%(55/58) of the PNSTs in head and neck were benign；5%(3/58) were malignant peripheralnerve sheath tumors(MPNSTs). 63%(37/58) were neurilemoma, 20%(17/20) were neurofibroma, 2%(1/58) was perineuroma. 55 patients underwent surgery. 80%(45/55) of cases were treated with excision. Enucleation was performed in 7(14%) patients. All cases of benign neurogenic tumors showed no recurrence. Among 3 of MPNSTs 2 patients were Von Recklinghausen’s disease and expired with regional recurrence and lung metastasis. Conclusion：The benign PNSTs can be treated with enucleation if possible and observation can be another choice to minimize neurologic sequele.