Nerve Sheath Myxoma in Pregnancy: A Case Report

TL;DR

This case report describes the first known instance of a nerve sheath myxoma in a pregnant woman and how it was managed during and after pregnancy.

Contribution

The paper presents the first documented case of nerve sheath myxoma during pregnancy and its clinical management.

Findings

Pregnancy does not appear to affect the growth or evolution of nerve sheath myxoma.

Ultrasonography can be used for monitoring NSM during pregnancy, with surgery postponed until after delivery.

Individualized decision-making is crucial in managing rare benign lesions like NSM during pregnancy.

Abstract

Nerve sheath myxoma (NSM) is a rare benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor that affects young adults. NSMs are asymptomatic, slow-growing swellings located in the upper extremities, more rarely in the lower extremities. Given the high risk of recurrence, it is recommended to perform a complete exeresis. To our knowledge, the evolution and management of NMS during pregnancy have not been described yet. We report the first case of recurrent pretibial NSM in a pregnant girl and its follow-up and outcome during and after pregnancy. NSM is difficult to diagnose clinically or using imaging. The final diagnosis remains histopathological. It is known how various types of benign and malignant skin tumors can develop or change during pregnancy. With our case, however, we documented that pregnancy does not affect the growth and evolution of NSM. Given the benign nature of the lesions and their tendency to grow slowly, during pregnancy, follow-up of NSMs can be conducted through ultrasonography and surgical treatment postponed after delivery. Our case highlights the importance of careful monitoring and individualized decision making, especially in rare scenarios such as NSM, where data on the progression of benign lesions are limited. Our case highlights the importance of a careful monitoring and a tailored treatment in rare scenarios such as NSM, where data on the progression of benign lesions are limited. Considering the benign nature of the lesions and their tendency to grow slowly, follow-up of NSMs during pregnancy can be conducted through ultrasonography, and surgical treatment can be postponed after delivery.

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