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Nerve sheath tumors: evaluation with CT and MR imaging
K L Verstraete1, E Achten, A De Schepper
1Department of Medical Imaging, University Hospital Ghent, Belgium.
Journal Belge De Radiologie
|August 1, 1992
Summary
Nerve sheath tumors are classified as benign (schwannoma, neurofibroma) or malignant. Imaging like CT and MRI helps characterize benign tumors, but distinguishing malignant ones remains challenging.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Nerve sheath tumors encompass benign (schwannoma, neurofibroma) and malignant types.
- Benign tumors are typically solitary, slow-growing masses, while neurofibromas can be numerous, especially in von Recklinghausen's disease.
- Malignant transformation suspicion arises with rapid growth, particularly in neurofibromatosis patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the classification and imaging characteristics of benign and malignant nerve sheath tumors.
- To highlight the role of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MR) in evaluating these tumors.
- To underscore the limitations of current imaging in definitively diagnosing malignant nerve sheath tumors.
Main Methods:
- Review of imaging features of benign and malignant nerve sheath tumors on CT and MR.
- Comparison of imaging findings with histopathological classifications.
- Analysis of tumor characteristics including size, shape, borders, location, and enhancement patterns.
Main Results:
- Benign nerve sheath tumors typically present as well-defined masses with smooth borders on CT and MR.
- MR imaging shows characteristic signal intensities (isointense on T1, high on T2) and moderate to marked contrast enhancement.
- Malignant nerve sheath tumors lack specific imaging criteria, and CT/MR cannot definitively differentiate them from other soft tissue malignancies.
Conclusions:
- CT and MR are valuable for characterizing benign nerve sheath tumors and assessing their relationship to surrounding structures.
- Magnetic resonance imaging is the preferred modality for detailed anatomical evaluation.
- Definitive diagnosis of malignant nerve sheath tumors requires histopathological examination due to overlapping imaging features with other soft tissue sarcomas.