Neuroma: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
'''Neuroma''' (''Neuro-'' is from the Greek for ''nerve'') is defined as a benign tumor of a nerve. However, neuroma commonly refers to any [[tumor]] of cells of the [[nervous system]]. Neuromas form part of the peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Neuroma was first described by Thomas Morton in 1876. Neuromas may be classified according to histopathological features into 3 groups: Mortons neuroma, traumatic neuroma, and neoplasic neuromas. The pathogenesis of neuroma is characterised by neural degeneration with epineural and endoneural vascular hyalinization, and perineural fibrosis. Neuroma is more commonly observed among patients aged between 15 to 50 years old. Neuroma is more commonly observed among middle aged adults. Females are more commonly affected with neuroma than males. The female to male ratio is approximately 5:1. Common risk factors in the development of neuroma, include: unproper footwear and high impact sports (eg. rock-climbing, ballet dancing). The most important complication of neuroma is chronic neuropathic pain. On ultrasound, neuroma is characterized as a well-defined, hypoechoic lesion, and located in the intermetatarsal space proximal to the metatarsal head. Patients with neuroma usually appear with antalgic posture. Physical examination may be remarkable for: Tenderness to palpation and dysesthetic pain. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice for patients with neuroma with a relatively good success rate, around 80%. The recurrence rate after surgery is as high as 50% | '''Neuroma''' (''Neuro-'' is from the Greek for ''nerve'') is defined as a benign tumor of a nerve. However, neuroma commonly refers to any [[tumor]] of cells of the [[nervous system]].<ref name=Dorlands>{{cite encyclopedia|editor= |encyclopedia=Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary| edition=32nd| title=Neuroma | url=http://books.google.com/books?id=mNACisYwbZoC&pg=PT5287|accessdate=25 August 2013| year=2011| publisher=Oxford University Press| isbn=978-1-4557-0985-4 |page=5287}}</ref>Neuromas form part of the peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Neuroma was first described by Thomas Morton in 1876. Neuromas may be classified according to histopathological features into 3 groups: Mortons neuroma, traumatic neuroma, and neoplasic neuromas. The pathogenesis of neuroma is characterised by neural degeneration with epineural and endoneural vascular hyalinization, and perineural fibrosis. Neuroma is more commonly observed among patients aged between 15 to 50 years old. Neuroma is more commonly observed among middle aged adults. Females are more commonly affected with neuroma than males. The female to male ratio is approximately 5:1. Common risk factors in the development of neuroma, include: unproper footwear and high impact sports (eg. rock-climbing, ballet dancing). The most important complication of neuroma is chronic neuropathic pain. On ultrasound, neuroma is characterized as a well-defined, hypoechoic lesion, and located in the intermetatarsal space proximal to the metatarsal head. Patients with neuroma usually appear with antalgic posture. Physical examination may be remarkable for: Tenderness to palpation and dysesthetic pain. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice for patients with neuroma with a relatively good success rate, around 80%. The recurrence rate after surgery is as high as 50% | ||
==Historical Perspective== | ==Historical Perspective== | ||
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==Classification== | ==Classification== | ||
*Neuroma may be classified according to histopathological features into 3 groups: | *Neuroma may be classified according to histopathological features into 3 groups:<ref name="morton"> Neuroma. Radiopedia http://radiopaedia.org/cases/morton-neuroma-2 Accessed on April 21, 2016</ref> | ||
:*'''Morton neuroma''' | :*'''Morton neuroma''' | ||
::*Symptomatic perineural fibrosis around a plantar digital nerve of the foot | ::*Symptomatic perineural fibrosis around a plantar digital nerve of the foot | ||
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==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
*The pathogenesis of neuroma is characterised by neural degeneration with epineural and endoneural vascular hyalinization, and perineural fibrosis. | *The pathogenesis of neuroma is characterised by neural degeneration with epineural and endoneural vascular hyalinization, and perineural fibrosis.<ref name="morton"> Neuroma. Radiopedia http://radiopaedia.org/cases/morton-neuroma-2 Accessed on April 21, 2016</ref> | ||
*The pathogenesis of traumatic neuroma is characterised by a chronic reactive fibroinflammatory disorganised regeneration around a nerve after an injury (such as traction injury or chronic repetitive stress) | *The pathogenesis of traumatic neuroma is characterised by a chronic reactive fibroinflammatory disorganised regeneration around a nerve after an injury (such as traction injury or chronic repetitive stress) | ||
*Morton neuroma is characterized by being located in the 3rd web-space, between 3rd and 4th metatarsal heads. | *Morton neuroma is characterized by being located in the 3rd web-space, between 3rd and 4th metatarsal heads. | ||
*Another subtype of traumatic neuroma is terminal neuroma (also known as "stump neuroma") which can occur after transection of the nerve (e.g. limb amputation). | *Another subtype of traumatic neuroma is terminal neuroma (also known as "stump neuroma") which can occur after transection of the nerve (e.g. limb amputation). | ||
*The are no genetic mutations associated with the development of neuroma. | *The are no genetic mutations associated with the development of neuroma. | ||
*On gross pathology, characteristic findings of neuroma, include: | *On gross pathology, characteristic findings of neuroma, include:<ref name="wiki">Neuroma. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuroma Accessed on April 21, 2016</ref><ref name="pmid10597831">{{cite journal |vauthors=Wu J, Chiu DT |title=Painful neuromas: a review of treatment modalities |journal=Ann Plast Surg |volume=43 |issue=6 |pages=661–7 |year=1999 |pmid=10597831 |doi= |url=}}</ref> | ||
:*Adherent fibrofatty tissue | :*Adherent fibrofatty tissue | ||
:*Yellowish small mass | :*Yellowish small mass | ||
*On microscopic histopathological analysis, characteristic findings of neuroma, include: | *On microscopic histopathological analysis, characteristic findings of neuroma, include:<ref name="wiki">Neuroma. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuroma Accessed on April 21, 2016</ref><ref name="wiki">Neuroma.Libre Pathology. https://librepathology.org/wiki/Neuroma Accessed on April 21, 2016</ref><ref name="pmid10597831">{{cite journal |vauthors=Wu J, Chiu DT |title=Painful neuromas: a review of treatment modalities |journal=Ann Plast Surg |volume=43 |issue=6 |pages=661–7 |year=1999 |pmid=10597831 |doi= |url=}}</ref> | ||
:*Extensive fibrosis around and within the nerve | :*Extensive fibrosis around and within the nerve | ||
:*Digital artery | :*Digital artery | ||
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*The image below demonstrates microscopic histopathological analysis of traumatic neuroma | *The image below demonstrates microscopic histopathological analysis of traumatic neuroma | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
Image:Traumatic neuroma.jpg| Traumatic neuroma | Image:Traumatic neuroma.jpg| Traumatic neuroma<SMALL> Courtesy of Libre Pathology</SMALL> | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
*Common causes of neuroma, include: | *Common causes of neuroma, include:<ref name="wiki">Neuroma. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuroma Accessed on April 21, 2016</ref><ref name="pmid10597831">{{cite journal |vauthors=Wu J, Chiu DT |title=Painful neuromas: a review of treatment modalities |journal=Ann Plast Surg |volume=43 |issue=6 |pages=661–7 |year=1999 |pmid=10597831 |doi= |url=}}</ref> | ||
:*Indirect nerve trauma | :*Indirect nerve trauma | ||
::*Traction injury | ::*Traction injury | ||
Line 52: | Line 52: | ||
==Differentiating Neuroma from other Diseases== | ==Differentiating Neuroma from other Diseases== | ||
*Neuroma must be differentiated from other diseases that cause forefoot pain, and numbness, such as: | *Neuroma must be differentiated from other diseases that cause forefoot pain, and numbness, such as:<ref name="morton"> Neuroma. Radiopedia http://radiopaedia.org/cases/morton-neuroma-2 Accessed on April 21, 2016</ref><ref name="pmid10597831">{{cite journal |vauthors=Wu J, Chiu DT |title=Painful neuromas: a review of treatment modalities |journal=Ann Plast Surg |volume=43 |issue=6 |pages=661–7 |year=1999 |pmid=10597831 |doi= |url=}}</ref> | ||
:*Stress fracture (neck of the metatarsal) | :*Stress fracture (neck of the metatarsal) | ||
:*Rheumatoid arthritis | :*Rheumatoid arthritis | ||
Line 59: | Line 59: | ||
==Epidemiology and Demographics== | ==Epidemiology and Demographics== | ||
*Neuroma is a uncommon disease. | *Neuroma is a uncommon disease.<ref name="pmid10597831">{{cite journal |vauthors=Wu J, Chiu DT |title=Painful neuromas: a review of treatment modalities |journal=Ann Plast Surg |volume=43 |issue=6 |pages=661–7 |year=1999 |pmid=10597831 |doi= |url=}}</ref> | ||
===Age=== | ===Age=== | ||
*Neuroma is more commonly observed among patients aged between 15 to 50 years old. | *Neuroma is more commonly observed among patients aged between 15 to 50 years old.<ref name="pmid10597831">{{cite journal |vauthors=Wu J, Chiu DT |title=Painful neuromas: a review of treatment modalities |journal=Ann Plast Surg |volume=43 |issue=6 |pages=661–7 |year=1999 |pmid=10597831 |doi= |url=}}</ref> | ||
*Neuroma is more commonly observed among middle aged adults. | *Neuroma is more commonly observed among middle aged adults. | ||
Line 73: | Line 73: | ||
==Risk Factors== | ==Risk Factors== | ||
*Common risk factors in the development of neuroma, include: | *Common risk factors in the development of neuroma, include:<ref name="wiki">Neuroma. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuroma Accessed on April 21, 2016</ref> | ||
:*Unproper footwear | :*Unproper footwear | ||
:*High impact sports (eg. rock-climbing, ballet dancing) | :*High impact sports (eg. rock-climbing, ballet dancing) | ||
== Natural History, Complications and Prognosis== | == Natural History, Complications and Prognosis== | ||
*The majority of patients with neuroma are symptomatic at the time of diagnosis. | *The majority of patients with neuroma are symptomatic at the time of diagnosis.<ref name="morton"> Neuroma. Radiopedia http://radiopaedia.org/cases/morton-neuroma-2 Accessed on April 21, 2016</ref> | ||
*Early clinical features include neuropathic pain, or local tenderness. | *Early clinical features include neuropathic pain, or local tenderness. | ||
*If left untreated, the majority of patients with neuroma may progress to develop walking difficulty, and limping. | *If left untreated, the majority of patients with neuroma may progress to develop walking difficulty, and limping. | ||
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=== Symptoms === | === Symptoms === | ||
*Neuroma is usually asymptomatic. | *Neuroma is usually asymptomatic. | ||
*Symptoms of neuroma may include the following: | *Symptoms of neuroma may include the following:<ref name="morton"> Neuroma. Radiopedia http://radiopaedia.org/cases/morton-neuroma-2 Accessed on April 21, 2016</ref> | ||
:*Focal area of neuropathic pain | :*Focal area of neuropathic pain | ||
::*No alleviating factors | ::*No alleviating factors | ||
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=== Physical Examination === | === Physical Examination === | ||
*Patients with neuroma usually appear with antalgic posture. | *Patients with neuroma usually appear with antalgic posture.<ref name="morton"> Neuroma. Radiopedia http://radiopaedia.org/cases/morton-neuroma-2 Accessed on April 21, 2016</ref> | ||
*Physical examination may be remarkable for: | *Physical examination may be remarkable for: | ||
:*Tenderness to palpation | :*Tenderness to palpation | ||
Line 100: | Line 100: | ||
=== Laboratory Findings === | === Laboratory Findings === | ||
*There are no specific laboratory findings associated with neuroma. | *There are no specific laboratory findings associated with neuroma.<ref name="wiki">Neuroma. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuroma Accessed on April 21, 2016</ref> | ||
===Imaging Findings=== | ===Imaging Findings=== | ||
*On ultrasound, neuroma is characterized by the following findings: | *On ultrasound, neuroma is characterized by the following findings:<ref name="morton"> Neuroma. Radiopedia http://radiopaedia.org/cases/morton-neuroma-2 Accessed on April 21, 2016</ref> | ||
:*Round to ovoid | :*Round to ovoid | ||
:*Well-defined, hypoechoic lesion | :*Well-defined, hypoechoic lesion | ||
:*Located in the intermetatarsal space proximal to the metatarsal head | :*Located in the intermetatarsal space proximal to the metatarsal head | ||
*On ultrasound, traumatic neuroma is characterized by the following findings: | *On ultrasound, traumatic neuroma is characterized by the following findings:<ref name="morton"> Neuroma. Radiopedia http://radiopaedia.org/cases/morton-neuroma-2 Accessed on April 21, 2016</ref> | ||
:*Swollen nerve (mass-like) | :*Swollen nerve (mass-like) | ||
:*Hypoechoic | :*Hypoechoic | ||
Line 117: | Line 117: | ||
:*T2: typically low signal but can sometimes be intermediate in signal | :*T2: typically low signal but can sometimes be intermediate in signal | ||
:*T1 C+ (Gd): tends to show intense enhancement | :*T1 C+ (Gd): tends to show intense enhancement | ||
*On MRI, characteristic findings of traumatic neuroma, include: | *On MRI, characteristic findings of traumatic neuroma, include:<ref name="morton"> Neuroma. Radiopedia http://radiopaedia.org/cases/morton-neuroma-2 Accessed on April 21, 2016</ref> | ||
:*Fusiform swelling of a nerve or a bulbous mass at a nerve end | :*Fusiform swelling of a nerve or a bulbous mass at a nerve end | ||
:*The parent nerve of some small nerve may difficult or impossible to discern | :*The parent nerve of some small nerve may difficult or impossible to discern | ||
Line 124: | Line 124: | ||
*The image below demonstrates MRI findings of traumatic neuroma. | *The image below demonstrates MRI findings of traumatic neuroma. | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
Image:Morton-neuroma-2.png| Morton neuroma MRI | Image:Morton-neuroma-2.png| Morton neuroma MRI<SMALL>Courtesy of Radiopedia</SMALL> | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
=== Medical Therapy === | === Medical Therapy === | ||
*Medical therapy for neuroma, include: | *Medical therapy for neuroma, include:<ref name="morton"> Neuroma. Radiopedia http://radiopaedia.org/cases/morton-neuroma-2 Accessed on April 21, 2016</ref> | ||
:*Tricyclic antidepressants | :*Tricyclic antidepressants | ||
:*Anticonvulsants (more effective) | :*Anticonvulsants (more effective) | ||
Line 141: | Line 141: | ||
=== Prevention === | === Prevention === | ||
*There are no primary preventive measures available for neuroma. | *There are no primary preventive measures available for neuroma.<ref name="morton"> Neuroma. Radiopedia http://radiopaedia.org/cases/morton-neuroma-2 Accessed on April 21, 2016</ref> | ||
*Secondary prevention measures, include: personal hygiene measures, such as wearing ergonomic shoes. | *Secondary prevention measures, include: personal hygiene measures, such as wearing ergonomic shoes. | ||
Revision as of 17:39, 21 April 2016
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Maria Fernanda Villarreal, M.D. [2]
Synonyms and keywords: Traumatic neuroma; Morton neuroma; Joplin neuroma
Overview
Neuroma (Neuro- is from the Greek for nerve) is defined as a benign tumor of a nerve. However, neuroma commonly refers to any tumor of cells of the nervous system.[1]Neuromas form part of the peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Neuroma was first described by Thomas Morton in 1876. Neuromas may be classified according to histopathological features into 3 groups: Mortons neuroma, traumatic neuroma, and neoplasic neuromas. The pathogenesis of neuroma is characterised by neural degeneration with epineural and endoneural vascular hyalinization, and perineural fibrosis. Neuroma is more commonly observed among patients aged between 15 to 50 years old. Neuroma is more commonly observed among middle aged adults. Females are more commonly affected with neuroma than males. The female to male ratio is approximately 5:1. Common risk factors in the development of neuroma, include: unproper footwear and high impact sports (eg. rock-climbing, ballet dancing). The most important complication of neuroma is chronic neuropathic pain. On ultrasound, neuroma is characterized as a well-defined, hypoechoic lesion, and located in the intermetatarsal space proximal to the metatarsal head. Patients with neuroma usually appear with antalgic posture. Physical examination may be remarkable for: Tenderness to palpation and dysesthetic pain. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice for patients with neuroma with a relatively good success rate, around 80%. The recurrence rate after surgery is as high as 50%
Historical Perspective
- Neuroma was first described by Thomas Morton in 1876
Classification
- Neuroma may be classified according to histopathological features into 3 groups:[2]
- Morton neuroma
- Symptomatic perineural fibrosis around a plantar digital nerve of the foot
- Also known as Morton’s metatarsalgia
- Traumatic neuroma
- Arises from nerve injury (often as a result of surgery).
- They occur at the end of injured nerve fibres as a form of uneffective, unregulated nerve regeneration
- Subtype of traumatic neuroma, called "Joplin neuroma" (a compression traumatic neuroma)
- Occurs most commonly near a scar
- Often very painful
- Neoplasic neuroma
- Solid nodular mass
- Usually, separate from nerve fibers
Pathophysiology
- The pathogenesis of neuroma is characterised by neural degeneration with epineural and endoneural vascular hyalinization, and perineural fibrosis.[2]
- The pathogenesis of traumatic neuroma is characterised by a chronic reactive fibroinflammatory disorganised regeneration around a nerve after an injury (such as traction injury or chronic repetitive stress)
- Morton neuroma is characterized by being located in the 3rd web-space, between 3rd and 4th metatarsal heads.
- Another subtype of traumatic neuroma is terminal neuroma (also known as "stump neuroma") which can occur after transection of the nerve (e.g. limb amputation).
- The are no genetic mutations associated with the development of neuroma.
- On gross pathology, characteristic findings of neuroma, include:[3][4]
- Adherent fibrofatty tissue
- Yellowish small mass
- Extensive fibrosis around and within the nerve
- Digital artery
- Thrombosis
- Arterial thickening
- The image below demonstrates microscopic histopathological analysis of traumatic neuroma
-
Traumatic neuroma Courtesy of Libre Pathology
Causes
- Indirect nerve trauma
- Traction injury
- Chronic repetitive stress
Differentiating Neuroma from other Diseases
- Neuroma must be differentiated from other diseases that cause forefoot pain, and numbness, such as:[2][4]
- Stress fracture (neck of the metatarsal)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Plexiform neurofibroma
- Hammertoe
Epidemiology and Demographics
- Neuroma is a uncommon disease.[4]
Age
- Neuroma is more commonly observed among patients aged between 15 to 50 years old.[4]
- Neuroma is more commonly observed among middle aged adults.
Gender
- Females are more commonly affected with neuroma than males.
- The female to male ratio is approximately 5:1.
Race
- There is no racial predilection for neuroma.
Risk Factors
- Common risk factors in the development of neuroma, include:[3]
- Unproper footwear
- High impact sports (eg. rock-climbing, ballet dancing)
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
- The majority of patients with neuroma are symptomatic at the time of diagnosis.[2]
- Early clinical features include neuropathic pain, or local tenderness.
- If left untreated, the majority of patients with neuroma may progress to develop walking difficulty, and limping.
- The most important complication of neuroma is chronic neuropathic pain.
- Prognosis is generally good, and the survival rate of patients with neuroma is 99%.
Diagnosis
Symptoms
- Neuroma is usually asymptomatic.
- Symptoms of neuroma may include the following:[2]
- Focal area of neuropathic pain
- No alleviating factors
- Aggravating with movement
Physical Examination
- Patients with neuroma usually appear with antalgic posture.[2]
- Physical examination may be remarkable for:
- Tenderness to palpation
- Limitation of range of motion
- Dysesthetic pain
Laboratory Findings
- There are no specific laboratory findings associated with neuroma.[3]
Imaging Findings
- On ultrasound, neuroma is characterized by the following findings:[2]
- Round to ovoid
- Well-defined, hypoechoic lesion
- Located in the intermetatarsal space proximal to the metatarsal head
- On ultrasound, traumatic neuroma is characterized by the following findings:[2]
- Swollen nerve (mass-like)
- Hypoechoic
- Loss of normal fibrillar pattern
- Usually small, but may be as large as 5 cm.
- On MRI, characteristic findings of neuroma, include:
- Dumbbell/ovoid-shaped lesion at a similar position to that described on ultrasound
- T1: typically low-to-iso signal
- T2: typically low signal but can sometimes be intermediate in signal
- T1 C+ (Gd): tends to show intense enhancement
- On MRI, characteristic findings of traumatic neuroma, include:[2]
- Fusiform swelling of a nerve or a bulbous mass at a nerve end
- The parent nerve of some small nerve may difficult or impossible to discern
- T2/STIR:inhomogeneous hyperintensity (may have a hypointense rim)
- T1 C+ (Gd): variable contrast enhancement
- The image below demonstrates MRI findings of traumatic neuroma.
-
Morton neuroma MRICourtesy of Radiopedia
Treatment
Medical Therapy
- Medical therapy for neuroma, include:[2]
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Anticonvulsants (more effective)
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
- Ultrasound-guided interdigital injection of steroid and local anaesthetic.
Surgery
- Surgery is the mainstay of therapy for neuroma.
- Surgical excision is the treatment of choice for patients with neuroma with a relatively good success rate, around 80%.
- The recurrence rate after surgery is as high as 50%
Prevention
- There are no primary preventive measures available for neuroma.[2]
- Secondary prevention measures, include: personal hygiene measures, such as wearing ergonomic shoes.
References
- ↑ "Neuroma". Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary (32nd ed.). Oxford University Press. 2011. p. 5287. ISBN 978-1-4557-0985-4. Retrieved 25 August 2013.
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 Neuroma. Radiopedia http://radiopaedia.org/cases/morton-neuroma-2 Accessed on April 21, 2016
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Neuroma. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuroma Accessed on April 21, 2016
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Wu J, Chiu DT (1999). "Painful neuromas: a review of treatment modalities". Ann Plast Surg. 43 (6): 661–7. PMID 10597831.