[Tumors of peripheral nerves].

BACKGROUND: Differentiation between malignant and benign tumors of peripheral nerves in the early stages is challenging; however, due to the unfavorable prognosis of malignant tumors early identification is required.

OBJECTIVES: To show the possibilities for detection, differential diagnosis and clinical management of peripheral nerve tumors by imaging appearance in magnetic resonance (MR) neurography.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Review of current literature available in PubMed and MEDLINE, supplemented by the authors' own observations in clinical practice.

RESULTS: Although not pathognomonic, several imaging features have been reported for a differentiation between distinct peripheral nerve tumors.

CONCLUSION: The use of MR neurography enables detection and initial differential diagnosis in tumors of peripheral nerves. Furthermore, it plays an important role in clinical follow-up, targeted biopsy and surgical planning.