How to recognize a neuroma? Is it always cancer?

Neuromas differ in many ways, but these tumors always affect the peripheral nervous system. They originate from peripheral nerve cells as well as from cells in the myelin sheath that surrounds the nerves. There are several types of neuromas that can occur in the human peripheral nervous system. Not every neuroma is a malignant neoplastic lesion. In the case of neuromas, we are also dealing with benign lesions, which make up the majority of diagnosed neoplasms. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of neuromas, as well as the most common treatments.

A neuroma is a tumor of the peripheral nervous system.

The human nervous system is divided into the central and peripheral nervous systems. The structures of the central nervous system are primarily nerves, thanks to which signals from the brain are transmitted to individual parts of the body, as well as organs and systems. Peripheral nerves allow us to perceive sensory stimuli.

Neuromas are divided into benign neoplastic changes and malignant changes. Malignant tumors have a worse prognosis, but rapid diagnosis increases the chances of a complete cure. Unfortunately, in the case of benign neurinomas, it is possible for the tumor to degenerate into a malignant one, so the symptoms indicating a neuroblastoma should always be consulted with a doctor. We use the term neuroma in the context of their different types - we distinguish among others neurofibromas, schwannomas, and neuroblastomas.

neurofibromas

Neurofibroma is one of the benign tumors of the peripheral nervous system, which can form in the skin, subcutaneous tissue, as well as in the nerve or plexus. This type of neuroma is a lesion characteristic of young people - it is usually diagnosed in the second or third decade of life. Neurofibromas are soft or hard nodules that form in the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and around nerves.

They often occur due to an inherited genetic disorder - they are caused by neurofibromatosis type 1 and type 2. Sometimes neurofibromas occur in very unusual places, for example. in the esophagus, which can cause, for example, gastrointestinal bleeding and dysphagia.

Sheath neuroma

Neuroblastoma (schwannoma, schwannoma, acoustic neuroma) originates from the cells that make up the myelin sheaths of nerves. Neuroblastoma (neoplasm) is most often localized in the cochlear-vestibular nerve, so it is called an acoustic neuroma. This swelling impairs hearing and causes imbalance. In the case of an acoustic neuroma, a small percentage of lesions can develop into a malignant neoplasm. A symptom of an acoustic neuroma resulting from the localization of a tumor is, among other things, unilateral sensorineural hearing loss. The presence of an acoustic neuroma can also present with facial palsy and trigeminal palsy.

Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is a lesion that occurs in the immature cells that form the nucleus of the nervous system. It is diagnosed in children under the age of 4 years. In this case, the tumor is most often located, including in the adrenal medulla, in the abdominal cavity and in the mediastinum. Neuroblastoma is characterized by the ability to resolve spontaneously, but not all tumors. Neuroblastoma has a different prognosis, which is associated with a tendency to tissue infiltration and metastasis. Diagnosed metastases, incl. to the lymph nodes and bone marrow are formed very early, which reduces the prognosis in young patients.

Non-neoplastic neuroma along the plantar nerve

The term neuroma is also used to refer to lesions that are not neoplastic. Such a neuroma is Morton’s neuroma (Morton’s neuralgia) and traumatic neuroma. In this case, we are not dealing with a malignant neoplasm or a benign neoplastic lesion caused by abnormal cell division.

How to recognize different types of neuroma?

Symptoms of neuroblastoma are very diverse and vary in severity. The easiest way to recognize Morton’s neuroma (often we also refer to Morton’s neuralgia) is localization in the area of ​​the plantar nerve. The tumor is associated with irritation of the nerve and develops as a result of prolonged compression; any foot injury and wearing unsuitable shoes also contribute to its development. Morton’s neuroma belongs to a group of common foot diseases. A symptom of Morton’s tumor (called Morton’s neuralgia), which compresses the nerves in the foot, is severe pain in the foot that makes it difficult to function normally.

With tumor neuromas, the symptoms vary widely, and changes in the peripheral nervous system are diagnosed as a result of increasing disturbances in the functioning of various organs and systems. Treatment for typical neuromas includes their surgical removal and additional treatment for neuromas if a malignant tumor has developed in the body. In the case of Morton’s disease, a slightly different technique is required - in this case, non-surgical treatment is initially used, taking into account, among other things, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and rehabilitation also have a positive effect on the symptoms of neuromas.