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What Is a Neuroma?

From , former About.com Guide

Updated October 27, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: A neuroma is an abnormal growth of nerve tissue. Neuromas are usually benign growths, but they do involve thickening of the nerve tissues. This thickening, which can occur anywhere in the body, often causes severe nerve pain.

Neuromas can occur after certain surgeries, such as a mastectomy or limb amputation, causing pain to persist long after the expected surgical healing time. This can lead to chronic postoperative pain.

Examples:
After breast surgery, a neuroma can develop, causing persistent postoperative pain.

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