Multiple Ancient Schwannomas of the Ulnar Nerve at Distant Sites

Schwannoma, a benign peripheral nerve tumor, rarely undergoes chronic degenerative changes and progresses to ancient schwannoma. Herein, we report the first case of ulnar nerve-derived multiple ancient schwannomas, which uncommonly developed in the extremities and major nerves. A 76-year-old female patient presented with tingling sensations in her left ring and small fingers. She had a gradually enlarging mass that developed 40 years ago in the proximal upper arm and a new mass growing on the wrist for the past few years. Based on physical examination, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging, ancient schwannomas of the ulnar nerve were suspected. The older and larger mass of the upper arm was more entangled with nerve fascicles, having necrotic changes. Through meticulous dissection of the nerve fascicles, both masses were successfully enucleated, and pathological examination confirmed ancient schwannoma. As ancient schwannomas grow, they become more entangled with the nerves; thus, early surgical removal is recommended.

Schwannoma of Left Chest Wall: a Case Report and Literature Review

Background: Schwannoma of chest wall is rare intercostal nerve tumor originated from Schwann cells. Here, we present a rare case about schwannoma was misdiagnosed as solitary fibroma by preoperative biopsy. We intend to improve clinicians' understanding of the disease by discussing the clinical manifestations, diagnostic points and differential diagnosis of patients with thoracic wall schwannoma.Case presentation: A 38-year-old male presented with "left chest pain for more than 1 month". Enhanced Computer Tomography(CT) can of the lung revealed space occupying lesions in the left lower posterior chest wall. Preoperative biopsy was solitary fibroma. After the improvement of preoperative preparation, the patients were given surgical treatment, postoperative pathology showed: schwannoma of chest wall. Chest pain improved after operation. The patients were followed up for 8 months.Discussion and Conclusions: Schwannoma, especially in the chest wall, is rare, with atypical clinical symptoms, single imaging manifestations, high variable rate of puncture pathology, and easy to be misdiagnosed. Complete surgical resection of tumor is the main treatment, and no new adjuvant / adjuvant therapy has been reported yet.

Potential Molecular Biomarkers of Vestibular Schwannoma Growth: Progress and Prospects

Vestibular schwannomas (VSs, also known as acoustic neuromas) are relatively rare benign brain tumors stem from the Schwann cells of the eighth cranial nerve. Tumor growth is the paramount factor for neurosurgeons to decide whether to choose aggressive treatment approach or careful follow-up with regular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as surgery and radiation can introduce significant trauma and affect neurological function, while tumor enlargement during long-term follow-up will compress the adjacent nerves and tissues, causing progressive hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo. Recently, with the deepening research of VS biology, some proteins that regulate merlin conformation changes, inflammatory cytokines, miRNAs, tissue proteins and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) components have been proposed to be closely related to tumor volume increase. In this review, we discuss advances in the study of biomarkers that associated with VS growth, providing a reference for exploring the growth course of VS and determining the optimal treatment strategy for each patient.

Purinergic receptor P2RY14 cAMP signaling regulates EGFR-driven Schwann cell precursor self-renewal and nerve tumor initiation in neurofibromatosis.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder characterized by nerve tumors called neurofibromas, in which Schwann cells (SCs) lack NF1 and show deregulated RAS signaling. NF1 is also implicated in regulation of cAMP. Gene expression profiling and protein expression identified P2RY14 in SCs and SC precursors (SCPs) implicating P2RY14 as a candidate upstream regulator of cAMP in EGF-dependent SCP. We found that SCP self-renewal was reduced by genetic or pharmacological inhibition of P2RY14. In NF1 deficient SCs and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) cells, P2RY14 inhibition decreased EGFR-driven phospho-Akt and increased cAMP signaling. In a neurofibroma mouse model, genetic deletion of P2RY14 increased mouse survival, delayed neurofibroma initiation and rescued cAMP signaling. Conversely, elevation of cAMP diminished SCP number in vitro and diminished SC proliferation in neurofibroma bearing mice in vivo. These studies identify the purinergic receptor P2RY14 as a critical G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) in NF1 mutant SCPs and SCs and suggest roles for EGFR-GPCR crosstalk in facilitating SCP self-renewal and neurofibroma initiation via cAMP and EGFR-driven phospho-Akt.

Schwannoma of the Zygomatic Branch of the Facial Nerve

Significance Statement Facial nerve schwannoma is extremely uncommon. Despite its rarity, it is considered the most common facial nerve tumor and potentially affects any segment of the nerve. Presenting symptoms vary depending on the location of the neoplasm. Tumors pertaining to the extratemporal course of the nerve mainly appear as an asymptomatic parotid mass. We present a rare case of schwannoma of the zygomatic branch of the right facial nerve that was surgically resected, without facial nerve injury.

Role of the nervous system in cancers: a review

Nerves are important pathological elements of the microenvironment of tumors, including those in pancreatic, colon and rectal, prostate, head and neck, and breast cancers. Recent studies have associated perineural invasion with tumor progression and poor outcomes. In turn, tumors drive the reprogramming of neurons to recruit new nerve fibers. Therefore, the crosstalk between nerves and tumors is the hot topic and trend in current cancer investigations. Herein, we reviewed recent studies presenting direct supporting evidences for a better understanding of nerve–tumor interactions.

Retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma presenting as an obstructive pyelonephritis: a case report

Ganglioneuroma is a nerve tumor arising from the sympathetic neural crest. It is a rare benign tumor. Retroperitoneum is its second location after the posterior mediastinum. Usually asymptomatic, it is discovered incidentally on imaging. Surgical resection is the sole treatment. The prognosis is good if the diagnosis is made early with quality R0 surgical excision. We report a case in a 14-year-old female admitted to the emergency department for obstructive pyelonephritis. Imaging features found a retroperitoneal mass with characteristics suggestive of a retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma, which was confirmed by histological study. Ganglioneuroma should be a part of differential diagnoses for any retroperitoneal mass in children and young adults.