A 28-year-old female patient from Thot Not Ward , Can Tho City, was admitted to the Oncology Department of Nam Can Tho University Hospital with persistent pain in the gluteal nerve region, stiffness in the left leg, and impaired mobility and daily activities.Upon clinical examination and multidisciplinary consultation, the medical team diagnosed her with generalized plexiform neurofibromatosis, characterized by multiple sizable tumors developing in the subcutaneous soft tissue.

Details of Tumors Identified During Clinical Examination and Surgery:

• Left lower leg mass: 40 cm in size, soft in consistency, causing limited mobility and impaired ambulation.
• Left gluteal mass: 30 cm in size, soft in consistency, compressing surrounding soft tissues and causing persistent pain.
• Additionally: 4 subcutaneous tumors were detected in the left facial region, each measuring approximately 2 cm in diameter. A 2 cm subcutaneous mass was also noted in the right nasal area, along with another 2 cm tumor in the chin region.

MRI revealed diffuse subcutaneous soft tissue involvement of the left lower limb, including the entire leg and gluteal region, without evidence of muscle invasion. These findings are consistent with the imaging features of plexiform neurofibromatosis — A complex disease entity associated with a high risk of recurrence and potential for malignant transformation if not managed in a timely and appropriate manner.

️Surgical Intervention – Tumor Excision

Following comprehensive clinical, paraclinical, and imaging evaluation, the patient was indicated for surgical resection, including complete excision of all 4 subcutaneous facial tumors and removal of a 40 cm subcutaneous mass located in the left lower leg.

The Surgical Team Involved in the Patient’s Operation

The surgical team was led by Dr. Ngo Nhat Linh (Specialist Level II, Head of Oncology Department) and Dr. Do Cong Huyen (Deputy Head of the Oncology Department), in collaboration with the anesthesiology and intensive care team of Nam Can Tho University Hospital. Postoperatively, the patient received intensive care including antibiotics, analgesics, and close monitoring of soft tissue status. Further treatment planning was based on the results of histopathological examination.

Neurofibromatosis: Importance of Early Recognition and Follow-up

Neurofibromatosis are benign tumors that tend to grow slowly and insidiously. Although initially asymptomatic, they may enlarge over time, leading to functional impairment and cosmetic disfigurement. Certain subtypes, such as plexiform neurofibromatosis, can cause significant deformities, chronic pain, and complications including ulceration and bleeding.

A Message from Our Healthcare Providers

The patient's timely visit enabled early detection and effective intervention, helping to prevent serious complications. This serves as an important reminder: never ignore persistent, dull neuralgic pain — especially when accompanied by a soft tissue mass.