A case of diffuse neurofibroma of the scalp

Abstract

A neurofibroma is a benign tumor of the peripheral nerve sheath characterized by proliferation of Schwann cells, perineural cells, and endoneurial fibroblasts. Different types of neurofibromas can be identified, including localized, plexiform, and diffuse types. Neurofibromas can involve any site on the body skin. The diffuse variant is rare and occurs primarily in children and young adults. It involves the skin and subcutaneous tissue in a plaque-like fashion on the head and neck regions. We present a case of a 10-year-old boy who had a diffuse neurofibroma on the scalp.

Keywords: Diffuse neurofibroma; Scalp.

Fig. 1

A 7×8 cm swollen mass on the patient's scalp.

Fig. 2

Radiologic findings. (A) The MRI scan. The axial T1-weighted spin-echo image (TR/TE, 483/12) shows thickening with intermediate signal intensity in the right high frontoparietal scalp. (B) The MRI scan. The post-contrast sagittal T1-weighted spin-echo image shows marked enhancement of the lesion in the right high frontoparietal scalp.

Fig. 3

(A) Histopathologic examination showed fusiform cells with elongated nuclei in a myxoid matrix with wire-like collagen fibers (H&E, ×100, inset, ×400). (B) Immunoperoxidase staining for S-100 protein was positive (S-100, ×100).