title: Adipose lesions of nerve: the need for a modified classification.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Adipose lesions of nerve are rare and poorly understood. Their current classification, although not universally accepted, generally includes lipomatosis of nerve with or without localized macrodactyly, and intra- as well as extraneural lipoma. The authors believe that the spectrum of these lesions and their interrelationships are not currently appreciated. They propose an adaptation to the existing framework to illustrate the expanding spectrum of adipose lesions of nerve by considering lipomatosis and lipoma singly or in combination.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fourteen representative cases are presented to demonstrate not only the intraneural and extraneural examples of lipomatosis and lipoma, but also their anatomical combinations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Based on the cases presented and a careful literature review, a conceptual approach to the classification of adipose lesions of nerve is generated. This approach incorporates the 2 essential lesions, lipomatosis of nerve and lipoma, in both their intra- and extraneural forms. This permits expansion to encompass combinations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  To press the concept that adipose tumors of nerve are a broad but interrelated spectrum of lesions, the authors propose modification of the present classification system. This approach provides an orderly platform for progress, reflects understanding of these interrelated lesions, and facilitates optimal treatment by distinguishing resectable from nonresectable components.
authors: Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA. robert@mayo.edu
authors: Robert J
authors: RJ
authors: Spinner
authors: Bernd W
authors: BW
authors: Scheithauer
authors: Kimberly K
authors: KK
authors: Amrami
authors: Doris E
authors: DE
authors: Wenger
authors: Marie-Noëlle
authors: MN
authors: Hébert-Blouin
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000473:pathology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008067:Lipoma / Q000145:classification* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008068:Lipomatosis / Q000145:classification* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000145:classification* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D010524:Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms / Q000145:classification* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery