Given their relative infrequency, histologic complexity and widely varying clinical behavior, peripheral nerve tumors (PNT) pose a diagnostic challenge. In this course designed for pathologists of all levels of experience, the clinical, gross, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural features, of major types of PNT are logically presented. Lesion interrelationships, diagnostic pitfalls, differential diagnosis, and prognostic parameters will also be discussed. In addition, a brief overview of neurofibromatosis I and II, as they relate to nerve sheath tumors, will be presented.

A case format is used throughout the course. Topics include: 1) conventional schwannoma, 2) cellular schwannoma, 3) plexiform schwannoma, 4) melanotic schwannoma, 5) malignant transformation of schwannoma, 6) peripheral nerve hamatoma and choristoma, 7) nerve sheath myxoma and neurotheleoma, 8) intraneural and soft tissue perineuriomas, 9) neurofibroma, and 10) conventional as well as unusual forms of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Morphologic criteria for malignant transformation of a neurofibroma are also presented.

A limited number of loan sets of glass slides will be available for advance mailing. All registrants will be mailed a set of transparencies after the meeting. An in depth course syllabus will be distributed.