Overview

Peripheral nerve tumors are growths in or near the strands of tissue (nerves) that transmit signals from your brain to the rest of your body. These nerves control your muscles so that you can walk, blink, swallow, pick things up and do other activities.

Peripheral nerve tumors can occur anywhere in the body. Most of them aren't cancerous (malignant), but they can lead to pain, nerve damage and loss of function in the affected area.

Treatment of peripheral nerve tumors usually involves surgery to remove the tumor. Sometimes the tumor can't be removed without damaging nearby healthy tissue and nerves. In these cases, other treatments may be recommended.

Several types of peripheral nerve tumors occur. These tumors affect nerves by growing within them (intraneural tumors) or by pressing against them (extraneural tumors).

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Symptoms

The symptoms and signs of a peripheral nerve tumor develop from direct effects on the main nerve or from the tumor pressing on nearby nerves, blood vessels or tissues. As the tumor grows, it may be more likely to cause signs and symptoms, although tumor size doesn't always determine effects.

Signs and symptoms of peripheral nerve tumors vary depending on the location of the tumors and which tissues are affected. They include:

• Swelling or a lump under your skin
• Pain, tingling or numbness
• Weakness or loss of function in the affected area
• Dizziness or loss of balance

When to see a doctor

See your doctor when you have any of the symptoms listed, especially if you have a lump that grows rapidly.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Causes

It's not clear why most peripheral nerve tumors develop. Some are linked to known inherited syndromes, such as neurofibromatosis (types 1 and 2) and schwannomatosis. Others may be caused by a malfunctioning gene or triggered by injury or surgery.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Diagnosis

To diagnosis a peripheral nerve tumor, your doctor may ask you about signs and symptoms, discuss your medical history, and perform both a general physical and neurological exam. He or she may order several tests to help pinpoint the cause of your signs and symptoms.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This scan uses a magnet and radio waves to produce a detailed, 3-D view of your nerves and surrounding tissue.
• Computerized tomography (CT). A CT scanner rotates around your body to record a series of images. A computer uses the images to make a detailed view of your peripheral nerve tumor so that your doctor can evaluate how it may be affecting you.
• Electromyogram (EMG). For this test, your doctor places small needles in your muscles so an electromyography instrument can record the electrical activity in your muscle as you try to move it.
• Nerve conduction study. You're likely to have this test along with your EMG. It measures how quickly your nerves carry electrical signals to your muscles.
• Tumor biopsy. If imaging tests identify a nerve tumor, your doctor may remove and analyze a small sample of cells (biopsy) from your tumor. Depending on the tumor's size and location, you may need local or general anesthesia during the biopsy. Sometimes this is the only way to determine whether a tumor is cancerous.
• Nerve biopsy. If you have a condition such as progressive peripheral neuropathy or enlarged nerves that mimic nerve tumors, your doctor may take a nerve biopsy.

Peripheral nerve tumors are uncommon. Ask your doctor if he or she is experienced in diagnosing and treating them. If needed, seek a second opinion.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Complications

Both noncancerous and cancerous peripheral nerve tumors can compress nerves, leading to complications, some of which may be permanent:

• Numbness and weakness in the affected area
• Loss of function in the affected area
• Difficulties with balance
• Pain

Coping and support

Dealing with the possibility of permanent complications of peripheral nerve tumors and deciding which treatment would be best for you can be quite stressful. Here are some suggestions you may find helpful:

• Educate yourself about peripheral nerve tumors. The more you know, the better prepared you'll be to make good choices about treatment. Besides talking to your doctor, you may want to talk to a counselor or a social worker. Or you may find it helpful to talk to other people who've had a condition like yours and learn more about their experiences during and after treatment.

• Maintain a strong support system. Family and friends can help you as you go through this difficult time. Sometimes, though, you may find the concern and understanding of other people with a condition like yours especially comforting.

  Your doctor or a social worker may be able to put you in touch with a support group.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Risk factors

Peripheral nerve tumors are more common in people who have:

• Neurofibromatosis (types 1 and 2) and schwannomatosis. In these disorders, tumors develop on or near the nerves throughout the body. These tumors, which are frequently multiple, can lead to a variety of symptoms and signs depending on their location. These tumors are usually noncancerous.
• A history of radiation treatment. If you were exposed to radiation, you are at increased risk of peripheral nerve tumors years later.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com