title: Massive plexiform neurofibroma and spinal deformity presenting as dysphagia.
abstract: Dysphagia is a symptom associated with various diseases of the upper gastrointestinal and respiratory tract, and it may be the presenting symptom of numerous tumors of the head and neck. Plexiform neurofibromas (PNFs) are benign tumors of the peripheral nerves and connective tissue, which are usually associated with neurofibromatosis type 1. We present a rare case of a 52-year-old woman presenting with dysphagia and weight loss due to a massive PNF in the subcutaneous adipose tissue of the posterior neck, associated with C1-C2 dislocation, scoliosis of the vertebral column, and 2 meningoceles consistent with the diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 1. The combination of large PNF and cervical spine dysplasia may cause compression of the upper gastrointestinal tract and chronic progressive dysphagia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
authors.forename: Emmanuel
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Prokopakis
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Raissaki
authors.forename: Constantinos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bourolias
authors.forename: Alexandros
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Karatzanis
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Velegrakis
mesh_terms: D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D018318:Neurofibroma, Plexiform / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed