Surgical treatment of a massive soft tissue neurofibroma in neurofibromatosis type 1

Introduction. Neurofibromas developing in neurofibromatosis type 1 rarely grow to a large size. However, in cases of massive lesions, selection of optimal treatment tactics can be complicated. Clinicians usually resort to surgical treatment which currently serves as an effective instrument for improving patients’ quality of life and for achieving good cosmetic results.

Aim. To describe a successful experience of surgical treatment in a patient with giant neurofibroma type 1 affecting a massive pool of soft tissues.

Clinical case. Patient, 22 years, sought medical help at the N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology with diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 1 with massive lesions in the tissues of the lower third of the back, gluteal region, thighs. The disease has existed since birth, family medical history is fraught: father died of malignant manifestation of a neurogenic tumor. The younger sister is also diagnosed with neurofibromatosis affecting the brain and manifesting through cafe au lait spots on the body. Due to massive tumors significantly decreasing the patient’s quality  of life, cytoreductive surgical treatment was prescribed aimed at maximally radical resection of all available tumors to alleviate the patient’s condition.

Conclusion. The presented clinical case demonstrates successful experience of surgical treatment of a patient with giant neurofibroma affecting a massive pool of soft tissues.