A neuroma is a tumor of the peripheral nervous system that attacks the components that make up nerves. Neuroblastoma is a rare neoplasm and in most cases it is benign in nature. What are the causes and symptoms of neuromas? What is their treatment?

Neuromais a cancer that arises from the structures that make up peripheral nerves, or nerves throughout the body that connect the brain to the rest of the body.

There are three main types of neuromas:

  • neuroblastoma (aka schwannoma)- arises from the cells of the nerve sheath. It most often attacks the vestibulocochlear nerve, which is responsible for the sense of balance and hearing. That is why the tumor attacking this area is commonly called the acoustic neuroma
  • neuroblastoma - (otherwise known as neuroblastoma)- originates from the ganglia. It is most often diagnosed in children
  • neurofibroma- arises from the connective tissue elements of nerves, mainly those innervating the skin. usually occurs in people aged 20-30

Nerwiak - causes

The causes of neuroblastoma are unknown, but risk factors for cancer have been identified.

The observations of doctors show that a neuroma may arise in a place previously exposed to mechanical trauma. The exception is neurofibroma, which in most cases is associated with type I neurofibromatosis (type I neurofibromatosis) - a genetic disease characterized by the presence of numerous, benign neoplasms of nervous origin.

Neuroma - symptoms

  • neuroblastoma- hearing loss, tinnitus, balance disorders. Some patients may develop paresis of the facial or trigeminal nerves (the latter initially manifested by tingling and numbness of the middle part of the face)
  • neuroblastoma- may have different symptoms depending on the location. It most often develops in the abdominal cavity, which is manifested by anorexia, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In addition, touching the abdomen with your fingers, you can feel a hard, motionless bump
  • neurofibroma- it can take the form of soft, pedunculated, flesh-colored nodules located on the skin or oval, hard nodules growing under the surface of the skin, and evenskin discoloration that looks like coffee stains

Nerwiak - diagnostics

Depending on the location of the tumor, you may need e.g.

  • hearing tests, including tonal audiometry, brainstem evoked potentials
  • imaging tests (e.g. X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging)
  • blood tests

Nerwiak - treatment

  • neuroblastoma- the doctor may order a radiographic examination of the tumor (the neuroblastoma is a slowly growing tumor and, in the case of small changes, it is possible to perform periodic magnetic resonance imaging) or complete tumor removal
  • neuroblastoma- depending on the tumor stage, tumor and lymph node excision, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, autologous bone marrow or peripheral blood hematopoietic cells transplantation, immunotherapy with anti-inflammatory antibodies can be used. -G2
  • neuroblastoma- used, inter alia, in surgical removal of nodules
About the authorMonika Majewska A journalist specializing in he alth issues, especially in the areas of medicine, he alth protection and he althy eating. Author of news, guides, interviews with experts and reports. Participant of the largest Polish National Medical Conference "Polish woman in Europe", organized by the "Journalists for He alth" Association, as well as specialist workshops and seminars for journalists organized by the Association.

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Category:

Oncology