Definition

A very rare, fast-growing type of cancer that forms in the nerve sheath (a protective covering around nerves that are not part of the brain or spinal cord). The tumor is made up of Schwann cells (cells that hold nerve cells in place) and rhabdomyoblasts (a type of muscle cell). Malignant triton tumors occur most often in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1. A malignant triton tumor is a type of soft tissue sarcoma.