MALIGNANT NEURILEMOMA Meaning and
Definition
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A malignant neurilemoma, also known as a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST), is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that originates from the sheath surrounding the nerves in the peripheral nervous system. The term 'malignant' signifies that the tumor has the potential to invade nearby tissues, spread to distant parts of the body, and lead to life-threatening complications.
Malignant neurilemomas typically arise from a pre-existing benign nerve sheath tumor called a neurofibroma. However, they can also develop without any prior evidence of a benign tumor. These malignant tumors predominantly affect adults, often presenting during the third and fourth decades of life. They can occur anywhere in the body where peripheral nerves exist, but are frequently found in the extremities, head, neck, and trunk.
Clinically, malignant neurilemomas manifest as a firm, enlarging mass accompanied by pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area. As the tumor grows, it can infiltrate nearby structures, leading to functional impairments and deformities. Diagnostic tests such as imaging studies, needle biopsies, and genetic analysis may be conducted to confirm the presence of MPNST and rule out other similar conditions.
Treatment of malignant neurilemoma typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, combining surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. However, complete surgical resection is considered the optimal treatment strategy whenever possible. Prognosis varies depending on tumor size, location, stage at diagnosis, and the presence of metastasis. Overall, the five-year survival rate for MPNST ranges from 30% to over 70%, and regular follow-up care is necessary due to potential recurrence or metastasis.
Common Misspellings for MALIGNANT NEURILEMOMA
- nalignant neurilemoma
- kalignant neurilemoma
- jalignant neurilemoma
- mzlignant neurilemoma
- mslignant neurilemoma
- mwlignant neurilemoma
- mqlignant neurilemoma
- makignant neurilemoma
- mapignant neurilemoma
- maoignant neurilemoma
- malugnant neurilemoma
- maljgnant neurilemoma
- malkgnant neurilemoma
- malognant neurilemoma
- mal9gnant neurilemoma
- mal8gnant neurilemoma
- malifnant neurilemoma
- malivnant neurilemoma
- malibnant neurilemoma
- malihnant neurilemoma
Etymology of MALIGNANT NEURILEMOMA
The word "malignant neurilemoma" is a medical term used to describe a specific type of tumor known as a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST). To understand its etymology, let's break it down:
1. Malignant: This term derives from the Latin word "malignus", meaning "bad" or "malicious". In a medical context, it refers to a condition or growth that is cancerous or harmful.
2. Neurilemoma: Also known as a schwannoma, a neurilemoma is a benign tumor that arises from Schwann cells, which form the myelin sheath around peripheral nerves. The word "neurilemoma" itself is a combination of two Greek roots: "neuro", meaning "nerve", and "lemma", meaning "husk" or "sheath".
