Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor: the clinical spectrum and outcome of treatment.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are derived from Schwann cells or pluripotent cells of the neural crest. Delay of diagnosis is common, especially in lesions affecting proximal parts of the peripheral nervous system. Presented is a series of 54 patients with MPNST seen at a single institution over a 10-year period. In this series, tumor diameter of <5 cm, gross total resection of the tumor, and younger age were favorable prognostic variables.