Neuroepithelioma--a rare malignant peripheral nerve tumor of primitive origin: report of two new cases and a review of the literature

Abstract

Two cases of primitive neuroectodermal primary peripheral nerve tumors (neuroepitheliomas) are presented. They both demonstrated the rosette pattern described by Homer Wright indicating their neuroectodermal origin, and were unlike Schwann cell tumors. In one case, intensive chemotherapy with local radiotherapy had resulted in a disease-free interval of 30 months at the time of this report. These cases support the existence of neuroepithelioma as a distinct tumor type.