[Nerve sheath tumors: malignant schwannoma (author's transl)].

The morphology and biology of tumors of the nerve sheath show rather heterogeneous aspects. In most the site of origin seems to be the Schwann's cells. Essentially these tumors can be differentiated into three groups: 1. malignant schwannoma, 2. neurinoma, and 3. neurofibroma. Although the Schwann's cell is the common origin, the three different tumors can be well differentiated histologically with the exception of malignant schwannoma and spindle cell sarcoma. The clinical symptoms are determined by the location of the tumor and are without general characteristics. The treatment of choice is always radical surgery. In addition, radiation and chemotherapy are indicated in special cases.