Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of the scalp: Two rare case reports

BACKGROUND: Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) constitute a group of soft tissue neoplasm with neuroectodermal origin. Most cases are small at presentation and only some have been described reaching giant dimensions. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report two cases that were diagnosed and treated as giant MPNST of the scalp. Both patients had extensive lesion on the head with intracranial infiltration. Microsurgical resection was indicated and a vascularized free flap was used to cover the defect. During follow-up the tumors recurred and further surgical excision treatment by adjuvant radiation therapy was performed. CONCLUSION: MPNSTs of the scalp are rare neoplasm of the peripheral nervous system. They are aggressive lesion that can recur and their management requires a multimodality approach.