Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the superficial branch of the radial nerve: illustrative case.

backgroundLesions of the peripheral nervous system are many and varied. They range from benign to malignant, and determining risk can be challenging. Primary lymphoma of the peripheral nerve (PLPN) is a rare and malignant pathology. When recognized early, appropriate therapy can be delivered. The authors performed a systematic review of PLPNs and present the first case of a PLPN involving the superficial branch of the radial nerve. OBSERVATIONS: The authors present the clinical presentation and radiological features of a rare case of primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the superficial branch of the radial nerve. Following gross-total resection, the patient received adjuvant chemotherapy and was free of disease at the last follow-up. LESSONS: With astute observation, less common and sinister peripheral nerve lesions can be recognized at an early stage and tend to be associated with a relatively short history of peripheral sensorimotor deficits and subtle radiographic changes. In such a setting, consideration should be given to performing a biopsy rather than gross-total resection, indeed sparing the parent nerve and facilitating diagnosis. Definitive treatment for PLPN is chemotherapy with the addition of radiotherapy in some circumstances.