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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2010; 14(5): 547-558
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1268073
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Tumors and Tumor-Like Lesions of Peripheral Nerves

Klaus Woertler1
  • 1Department of Radiology, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
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Publication History

Publication Date:
11 November 2010 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The diagnosis of a peripheral nerve tumor can often be suggested on imaging. Direct continuity with a neural structure or location along a typical nerve distribution, shape, and intrinsic magnetic resonance (MR) signal characteristics represent the most important signs in this regard. Although several nonneoplastic nerve lesions can be specifically diagnosed by MR imaging, benign and malignant neoplasms of peripheral nerves can usually not be distinguished with confidence. This article reviews the MR imaging appearance, clinical and pathological features of schwannoma, localized neurofibroma, plexiform neurofibroma, intraneural perineurioma, fibrolipomatous hamartoma, nerve sheath ganglion, traumatic neuroma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, and secondary malignant neoplasms of peripheral nerves. Typical findings are illustrated on the basis of histologically confirmed cases.

KEYWORDS

Peripheral nerves - neurogenic tumors - MR soft tissue imaging - soft tissue neoplasms - MR nerve imaging

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Klaus WoertlerM.D. 

Department of Radiology, Technische Universität München

Ismaninger Strasse 22, D-81675 Munich, Germany

Email: woertler@roe.med.tum.de