Our Summary

This research paper describes the case of an 8-year-old boy with a rare type of skin tumor called pigmented neurofibroma (PN). This tumor is a variant of neurofibroma that contains melanin-producing cells and makes up only 1% of all cases. The boy, who was already diagnosed with a condition known as neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), presented with a light brown skin patch and increased hair growth, known as hypertrichosis, on his left thigh. A skin biopsy confirmed the presence of PN, which was identified by deposits of melanin in the deeper part of the skin lesion. Even though PN is benign and grows slowly over time, it needs to be monitored closely because it can be mistaken for other pigmented skin tumors. Part of the treatment includes surveillance and sometimes surgical removal.

FAQs

  1. What is a pigmented neurofibroma (PN) and how common is it?
  2. How was the presence of PN confirmed in the 8-year-old boy?
  3. What is the typical treatment for pigmented neurofibroma?

Doctor’s Tip

One tip a doctor might give a patient about tumor resection is to follow post-operative care instructions closely to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. This may include keeping the incision site clean and dry, taking prescribed medications as directed, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding strenuous activities that could strain the surgical site. It is also important to report any unusual symptoms, such as excessive pain, swelling, or redness, to your healthcare provider immediately. By following these recommendations, you can help support a successful recovery and reduce the likelihood of tumor recurrence.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended tumor resection are those with:

  1. Malignant tumors: Tumors that are cancerous and have the potential to spread to other parts of the body.

  2. Large tumors: Tumors that are causing symptoms such as pain, discomfort, or difficulty with movement due to their size.

  3. Tumors that are growing rapidly: Tumors that are increasing in size quickly and are at risk of causing complications.

  4. Tumors that are causing compression of nearby structures: Tumors that are pressing on nerves, blood vessels, or organs and causing issues such as numbness, weakness, or obstruction.

  5. Tumors that are causing cosmetic concerns: Tumors that are visible and causing distress or affecting the patient’s self-esteem.

  6. Tumors that are at risk of becoming malignant: Benign tumors that have the potential to transform into cancerous tumors over time.

  7. Tumors that are difficult to monitor: Tumors that are located in a difficult-to-access area or are challenging to monitor for changes in size or appearance.

Timeline

Before tumor resection:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with a rare type of skin tumor called pigmented neurofibroma (PN) as a variant of neurofibroma in the context of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).
  2. Patient presents with symptoms such as a light brown skin patch and increased hair growth on the affected area.
  3. Skin biopsy confirms the presence of PN and further imaging may be done to assess the extent of the tumor.
  4. Treatment plan is established, which may include surveillance and monitoring of the tumor growth.

After tumor resection:

  1. Surgical removal of the tumor is performed, either through excision or other methods depending on the size and location of the tumor.
  2. Patient undergoes post-operative care and monitoring to ensure proper healing and to watch for any potential complications.
  3. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to assess the effectiveness of the surgery and to monitor for any signs of tumor recurrence.
  4. Patient may undergo additional treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy if the tumor shows signs of aggressiveness or if it has spread to other areas of the body.
  5. Patient continues to be monitored long-term to ensure the tumor does not return and to manage any potential complications related to NF1.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the goal of tumor resection in my case?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with tumor resection?
  3. What is the expected recovery time after tumor resection?
  4. Will I need any additional treatments or follow-up care after tumor resection?
  5. How will tumor resection impact my overall health and quality of life?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider besides tumor resection?
  7. How experienced are you in performing tumor resection procedures?
  8. Can you walk me through the step-by-step process of the tumor resection procedure?
  9. What type of anesthesia will be used during the tumor resection surgery?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take before and after tumor resection surgery?

Reference

Authors: Godínez-Chaparro JA, Valencia-Herrera AM, Mena-Cedillos CA, Toussaint-Caire S, Duarte-Abdala MR, Loza-Escutia O, Toledo-Bahena ME. Journal: Bol Med Hosp Infant Mex. 2023;80(1):57-62. doi: 10.24875/BMHIM.21000197. PMID: 36867567