Patient Resources

Sarcoma Subtype Information

Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor (MPNST)

The malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is the malignant counterpart to benign soft tissue tumors such as neurofibromas and schwannomas. This term is preferred to older designations such as malignant schwannomas and neurofibrosarcomas. It is most common in the deep soft tissue, usually in close proximity of a nerve trunk. The most common sites include the sciatic nerve, brachial plexus, and sarcal plexus. The most common symptom is pain which usually prompts a biopsy. Most cases average more than 5 cm in diameter. On sections, it may have a white surface with areas of necrosis or hemorrhage. It is the most common sarcoma arising in the setting of von Recklinghausen’s disease.

Epidemiology

10% of all soft tissue sarcomas seen in consultation with 50% occurring in the setting of neurofibromatosis I.
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Programs & Resources

Patient Resources

Information on sarcoma subtypes, treatments, clinical trials, and other important resources for sarcoma patients and families.

Sarcoma Patient Registry

Information on the Sarcoma Patient Registry. If you are diagnosed with sarcoma, please consider joining the Registry.

Research Grants

Information on applying for a sarcoma research grant, current research funded by the SFA, and past research grants.