What is a benign neoplasm of nervous tissue?

A benign neoplasm of nervous tissue is referred to as a neuroma. Neuromas are tumors that develop from the nerve cells or the supporting cells that surround them. Unlike malignant tumors, which can invade surrounding tissues and metastasize to other parts of the body, benign neoplasms like neuromas typically do not spread and are usually encapsulated, meaning they are contained within a defined boundary.

Neuromas may develop in various areas of the nervous system, including peripheral nerves, and while they can cause symptoms due to pressure on adjacent structures, they are not inherently cancerous. This distinction is important in the context of nervous tissue, as it highlights the benign nature of neuromas compared to other neoplasms that might arise in different tissues or exhibit aggressive behaviors.

The other options listed pertain to different types of tumors. Melanoma is a malignant tumor of melanocytes, often associated with skin pigmentation. Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that originates in glandular tissue, and leiomyosarcoma is a malignant tumor of smooth muscle tissue. None of these options represent a benign neoplasm of nervous tissue, which is why neuroma is the correct identification for this question.