Spectrum of superficial nerve-related tumor and tumor-like lesions: MRI features

Acta Radiol. 2014 Apr;55(3):345-58. doi: 10.1177/0284185113494983. Epub 2013 Jul 31.

Abstract

Superficial soft-tissue masses arising from skin appendages, metastasis, and inflammatory lesions have been widely reported. However, nerve-related superficial mass-like lesions other than peripheral nerve sheath tumors are less commonly described. High resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an excellent non-invasive tool for the evaluation of such lesions. In this article, the authors discuss the entire spectrum of these lesions and also outline a systemic diagnostic approach.

Keywords: Peripheral nerve sheath tumors; fibrolipomatous hypertrophy; merkel cell tumor; morton neuroma; neuroma in continuity; pacinian neuroma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Neoplasms, Nerve Tissue / diagnosis*
  • Neoplasms, Nerve Tissue / pathology
  • Neoplasms, Nerve Tissue / therapy