neurofibroma

A moderately firm, benign, encapsulated tumor resulting from proliferation of Schwann cells in a disorderly pattern that includes portions of nerve fibers; in neurofibromatosis, neurofibromas are multiple. SYN: fibroneuroma.

- plexiform n. a type of n., representing an anomaly rather than a true neoplasm, in which the proliferation of Schwann cells occurs from the inner aspect of the nerve sheath, thereby resulting in an irregularly thickened, distorted, tortuous structure; in some instances, the process extends along the course of the nerve and may eventually involve the spinal roots and the spinal cord; seen most frequently in neurofibromatosis. SYN: fibrillary neuroma, plexiform neuroma.

- storiform n. SYN: pigmented dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.

* * *

neu·ro·fi·bro·ma -fī-'brō-mə n, pl -mas also -ma·ta -mət-ə a fibroma composed of nervous and connective tissue and produced by proliferation of Schwann cells

* * *

n.

a benign tumour growing from the fibrous coverings of a peripheral nerve: it is usually symptomless. When it develops from the sheath of a nerve root, it causes pain and may compress the spinal cord.

* * *

neu·ro·fi·bro·ma (noor″o-fi-broґmə) [neuro- + fibroma] a usually benign tumor of peripheral nerves caused by abnormal proliferation of Schwann cells; called also fibroneuroma. Cf. neurilemoma.