Primary peripheral nerve sheath tumors of the thyroid gland

Abstract

Background: Primary peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs) of the thyroid gland are exceptionally rare tumors that usually present as asymptomatic neck nodules in adults. This article presents a literature review of these tumors.

Summary: PNSTs of the thyroid can be classified into benign and malignant. Only three cases of malignant PNSTs have been reported. Benign PNSTs of the thyroid include neurofibromas and schwannomas. Only two cases of isolated neurofibroma of the thyroid have been reported. Schwannomas are typically benign, slow-growing tumors that originate from neuronal schwann cells, with a clinical picture depending on the anatomic size and site. Pathologically, schwannomas are classified into Antoni A and Antoni B. Only 17 cases of schwannomas of the thyroid exist in literature to date.

Conclusions: Schwannomas of the thyroid gland are extremely rare and usually asymptomatic. Complete surgical resection is mandatory for care.