The diagnosis and treatment of the epithelioid sarcomas involving the peripheral nerves

Epithelioid sarcomas are rare soft tissue tumors and have possibility to involve the peripheral nerve and present as sensory and motor disorders. The symptoms are similar to those of nerve compression diseases. This situation is extremely rare in clinic and was only reported as several case reports in literature. It can be easily ignored and misdiagnosed in clinic and may bring out severe outcomes. From January 2003 to December 2017, a retrospective analysis of ten patients with epithelioid sarcomas which involved the peripheral nerves was made. The medical data, detailed clinical courses and the follow-up results were stated. In these cases, the tumors invaded the median nerve, ulnar nerve, radial nerve, brachial plexus, sciatic nerve and presented as relative symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to better prognosis. We recommended high-resolution ultrasound as a standard diagnostic tool for nerve compression syndromes not only reveal the morphological structure of the peripheral nerve, but also discover the tumor involving the nerve. Adequate surgical methods including wide resection and lymph node dissection if necessary. The manners of functional reconstruction need to be applied flexibly by the doctors. Postoperative rehabilitation is important for functional recovery. We want to share our experiences in the diagnosis and treatment to overcome this particular condition.