Rare Primary Embryonal Carcinoma in the Brachial Plexus: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE Primary tumors of the brachial plexus are rare. Most are benign and characterized as Schwannoma and neurofibroma, whereas malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors are less common. Here, we report a rare case of primary embryonal carcinoma in the brachial plexus. CLINICAL PRESENTATION A 17-yr-old male presented with a 3-mo history of a mass growing in the left supraclavicular region over the middle part of the clavicle. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well-defined mass (diameter 2.5 cm) straddling the brachial plexus. After surgical resection, and the mass was histologically confirmed to be an embryonal carcinoma. CONCLUSION Primary embryonal carcinoma in the brachial plexus has not been reported previously. This case highlights the importance of considering the possibility that some primary brachial plexus tumors may be malignant and should be treated promptly.