Neuroma

Neuroma defined

A neuroma is a non-cancerous tumour that occurs in nerve tissue. The causes of these tumours are unknown,although it is suspected that in rare cases damage to a nerve could result in tumour formation. Any nerve in the body can be affected by a neuroma.

Neuromas can develop after some types of surgery, such as mastectomy or limb amputation, leading to chronic postoperative pain.

An acoustic neuroma is a tumour that develops from the cells surrounding the vestibulocochlear nerve inside the ear canal that connects the inner ear to the brain.

Neuromas also commonly develop in the foot. Morton’s neuroma describes a neuroma that develops in the web between the third and fourth toes. A neuroma in the foot can also occur under a metatarsal bone in the middle of the foot, or on the side of the big toe.

Symptoms of neuroma

The two main symptoms of neuroma are pain and numbness. Intermittent pain can occur in the areas of the body that are supplied by the affected nerve. When the tumour grows in a small space inside the body it can cause pressure on the affected nerve and lead to weakness or numbness in that area.

In acoustic neuroma, deafness, tinnitus, balance problems and pain in the face and ear that is affected are among the symptoms.

A neuroma in the foot is characterised by pain that is exacerbated by weight bearing.

Treatment

In acoustic neuroma, treatment or at least monitoring is very important as the growing tumour can affect important nerves and can eventually affect the brain. Radiotherapy may be effective in shrinking the tumour. Otherwise delicate surgery is required to remove it.

In other neuroma treatment, surgery to remove the neuroma is required if the symptoms resulting from the presence of the neuroma cause too much pain or discomfort.

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