MISCELLANEOUS

Muscle hernia, extensive. Without other injury to the muscle

Muscle hernia refers to the abnormal protrusion of muscle tissue through a defect or weakness in the surrounding fascia or muscle sheath. An extensive muscle hernia indicates a significant or large-scale protrusion. Importantly, this condition occurs without any concurrent injury to the muscle itself.

Causes

Some common causes of muscle hernia are:

• Chronic repetitive stress or strain on the muscle.
• Weakness or congenital defects in the muscle fascia or sheath.
• Age-related degeneration of muscle or connective tissues.
• Sudden intense muscular contraction or exertion.
• Previous surgical interventions or trauma in the affected area.

Symptoms 

Symptoms of muscle hernia:

• Visible or palpable bulge or lump in the affected area.
• Pain or discomfort at the site of the hernia.
• Swelling or inflammation around the herniated muscle.
• Muscle weakness or loss of function in the affected area.
• In some cases, the herniated muscle may be compressing nearby nerves, leading to additional symptoms like numbness or tingling.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of muscle hernia includes the following tests:

• Physical examination by a healthcare professional, including inspection and palpation of the affected area.
• Medical history assessment to identify any previous injuries, surgeries, or underlying conditions.
• Imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI to visualize the herniated muscle and assess its extent and location.
• Electromyography (EMG) to evaluate nerve function and assess potential nerve compression caused by the hernia.
• In some cases, a diagnostic exploratory surgery may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the muscle hernia.

Muscle, neoplasm of, malignant (excluding soft tissue sarcoma) 

Malignant neoplasm of muscle refers to the development of cancerous cells within the muscle tissue. This condition excludes soft tissue sarcoma, which is a separate category of malignant tumors originating from various soft tissues. Malignant muscle neoplasms can occur in different muscle groups throughout the body.

Causes and Risk Factors

Malignant neoplasm of muscle might be a result of the following:

• Genetic mutations or alterations in the DNA of muscle cells.
• Exposure to certain environmental factors or carcinogens.
• Family history of certain genetic syndromes associated with muscle cancer, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome or neurofibromatosis.
• Previous radiation therapy to the affected area.
• Weakened immune system, such as in individuals with HIV/AIDS or undergoing immunosuppressive therapy.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms include:

• Pain or tenderness in the affected muscle.
• Swelling or a palpable mass or lump.
• Muscle weakness or loss of function.
• Fatigue or unexplained weight loss.
• Night sweats.
• Fever or recurrent infections.
• Changes in the appearance of the overlying skin (e.g., discoloration, ulceration).

Diagnosis

Following tests and exams are performed to establish a definitive diagnosis of a potential malignant neoplasm originating from the muscle.

• Physical examination to evaluate symptoms and identify any palpable masses.
• Imaging tests, such as MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound, to visualize the tumor and assess its size, location, and involvement with nearby structures.
• Biopsy of the tumor for histopathological examination, which helps confirm the presence of cancerous cells and determine the type and grade of the tumor.
• Blood tests to assess overall health and identify any abnormalities that may be associated with the tumor.

Further diagnostic procedures may be required, such as PET scan or bone scan, to determine the extent of the disease and check for potential metastasis. Staging of the tumor to determine the extent of its spread and guide treatment decisions.

Muscle, neoplasm of, benign, 

Benign neoplasm of muscle is a non-cancerous growth that develops in muscle tissue. Benign soft tissue tumors are noncancerous lumps that develop anywhere in the body where there is soft tissue, such as muscles, tendons, and fat. 

Causes 

Here are some causes of benign neoplasm of muscle:

• Benign skeletal muscle neoplasm arises from skeletal muscle tissue.
• Intramuscular myxoma is a benign soft-tissue neoplasm that has a predilection for large muscles, being most frequently seen in the thigh.
• Leiomyomas are non-cancerous tumors that develop in smooth muscle and often happen as many painful lumps. They can start almost anywhere in the body but are most common in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and uterus.
• Benign soft tissue tumors are noncancerous lumps that develop anywhere in the body where there is soft tissue, such as muscles, tendons, and fat. Among the most common tumors which can be classified as benign soft tissue tumors are lipoma, angiolipoma, fibroma, benign fibrous histiocytoma, neurofibroma, schwannoma, neurilemmona, hemangioma, giant cell tumor of tendon sheath, and myxoma.
• Muscle hernias are focal herniations of muscle tissue through a defect in its fascial sheath. They are most commonly found in the lower extremity. They are mostly underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed as muscle hematomas and varicosities. Chronic stress can cause muscle hernias.

Symptoms 

Benign neoplasms (non-cancerous growths) of muscle may not always cause noticeable symptoms. However, depending on their size, location, and proximity to surrounding structures, they can sometimes produce certain symptoms. Here are some possible symptoms associated with a benign neoplasm of muscle:

• Lump or mass: A visible or palpable lump or mass may be present at the site of the neoplasm. It may feel firm or rubbery to the touch.
• Pain: Some benign neoplasms can cause localized pain or discomfort, especially if they press against nerves or adjacent structures. The pain may be persistent or intermittent.
• Limited range of motion: Depending on the location of the neoplasm, it can restrict the normal movement of the affected muscle or joint. This may lead to stiffness or difficulty in performing certain movements.
• Weakness: In some cases, a benign neoplasm of muscle can cause weakness in the affected area. This weakness may affect muscle strength, leading to difficulty in performing tasks or activities that require muscular effort.
• Compression symptoms: If the neoplasm grows large enough or compresses nearby structures, it can lead to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or a sensation of pins and needles in the surrounding area.
• Swelling or edema: In certain cases, a benign neoplasm may trigger localized swelling or edema due to its impact on lymphatic drainage or blood flow.

Diagnosis

Following are the ways to diagnose benign neoplasm of muscle:

• Intramuscular myxoma is diagnosed through imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, and CT scans.
• Benign skeletal muscle neoplasm is diagnosed through imaging tests and biopsy.

Sarcoma, soft tissue (of muscle, fat, or fibrous connective tissue) 

Soft tissue sarcoma refers to a broad category of malignant tumors that develop in the soft tissues of the body, including muscle, fat, or fibrous connective tissue. These tumors arise from abnormal growth of cells in these tissues and can occur in various locations throughout the body. Soft tissue sarcomas are relatively rare and can have different subtypes based on the specific tissue of origin.

Causes 

The causes of soft tissue sarcoma are:

• Genetic mutations or abnormalities in the DNA of soft tissue cells.
• Exposure to certain environmental factors or carcinogens.
• Inherited genetic syndromes, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome, neurofibromatosis, or hereditary retinoblastoma.
• Previous radiation therapy to the affected area.
• Certain viral infections, such as human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Symptoms

Here are some symptoms of soft tissue sarcoma:

• Palpable mass or lump in the affected area.
• Pain or tenderness at the site of the tumor.
• Limited range of motion or stiffness.
• Swelling or enlargement of the affected area.
• Weakness or loss of function in nearby muscles or limbs.
• Fatigue or unexplained weight loss.
• Fever or night sweats in some cases.

Diagnosis 

Diagnosis of soft tissue sarcoma is made through the following tests and exams:

• Physical examination to evaluate symptoms and identify any palpable masses or abnormalities.
• Imaging tests, such as MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound, to visualize the tumor and assess its size, location, and involvement with nearby structures.
• Biopsy of the tumor for histopathological examination, which helps confirm the presence of sarcoma cells and determine the specific subtype and grade of the tumor.
• Blood tests to assess overall health and identify any abnormalities that may be associated with the tumor.
• Additional tests, such as PET scan, bone scan, or molecular testing, may be performed to determine the extent of the disease, evaluate metastasis, and guide treatment decisions.
• Staging of the tumor to determine the extent of its spread and help plan appropriate treatment approaches.