neurofibroma
A doctor points to a diagram of a neurofibroma during a medical consultation.
Noun: A neurofibroma is a type of benign (non-cancerous) tumor that develops from the cells and fibrous tissue that make up the protective covering (sheath) of a peripheral nerve. Peripheral nerves are those located outside of the brain and spinal cord.
The word neurofibroma is a medical term used specifically to describe this distinct pathological growth. It is typically used in clinical, diagnostic, and scientific contexts. * The patient was diagnosed with a solitary neurofibroma on the sciatic nerve. * A biopsy confirmed that the growth was a benign neurofibroma. * The presence of multiple neurofibromas is a key diagnostic feature of the genetic disorder neurofibromatosis type 1.
- Plexiform neurofibroma: This is a specific subtype of neurofibroma that involves multiple nerve bundles, often forming a larger, more diffuse mass. It is strongly associated with neurofibromatosis type 1.
- The MRI revealed a complex plexiform neurofibroma affecting the brachial plexus.
- Neurofibromatosis (n.): This is not a variant of the word "neurofibroma" but a related medical condition. It refers to a group of genetic disorders (primarily NF1 and NF2) characterized by the development of multiple neurofibromas and other features.
- Schwannoma (n.): A related but distinct type of benign nerve sheath tumor that arises from Schwann cells specifically, whereas a neurofibroma involves a mixture of cell types including Schwann cells, fibroblasts, and others.
- Nerve sheath tumor (a broader category that includes neurofibromas and schwannomas)
- Benign peripheral nerve tumor
- Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST)
A doctor points to a diagram of a neurofibroma during a medical consultation.
- tumor of the fibrous covering of a peripheral nerve