A case of malignant schwannoma(malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor) of the mandible.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (malignant schwannoma) is a malignant neoplasm derived from Schwann cells. In the head and neck region, it is a very rare neoplasm. We encountered a case of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor in a 47-year-old woman. She presented in June 1995 with pain and swelling of the premolar region of the left side of the mandible. Radiographic examination showed irregular radiolucency at the left side of the mandible. Histopathologic study of the surgically removed specimen revealed malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Wide resection of the mandible, including the tumor, was performed. There has been no sign of recurrence or metastasis as of 25 months after operation.