Giant solitary neurofibroma in the gluteal area of a patient without neurofibromatosis

Abstract

Neurofibromas are benign tumours arising from neurons and perineural cells. Although they are common in neurofibromatosis, occasionally solitary neurofibromas may occur. A rare case of solitary neurofibroma presenting as a giant gluteal mass in a male patient without a personal or family history of neurofibromatosis is presented. Pre-operative imaging gave useful information about the extent of the mass which was then totally excised with histology revealing a non-plexiform neurofibroma. Distinguishing between isolated neurofibromas and those associated with neurofibromatosis is important because the treatment and prognosis differ greatly with the former having a good prognosis after total excision.