Peripheral nerve tumors are growths that develop within or along peripheral nerves. Most are benign but can cause significant symptoms from nerve compression.
Types of Peripheral Nerve Tumors
- Schwannomas: Most common; arise from Schwann cells surrounding the nerve
- Neurofibromas: Develop within the nerve fibers
- Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST): Rare cancerous tumors
- Perineuriomas: Rare tumors from perineurial cells
When Surgery is Needed
- Progressive pain, numbness, or weakness
- Growing mass along a nerve
- Concern for malignancy
- Functional impairment
Surgical Approach
Our neurosurgeons use microsurgical techniques to:
- Carefully separate tumor from functioning nerve fibers
- Preserve nerve function whenever possible
- Use intraoperative nerve monitoring
- Achieve complete tumor removal with minimal nerve damage
Success rates for benign schwannoma removal exceed 95% with preservation of nerve function.
Common Symptoms
- Palpable lump along a nerve
- Pain or tenderness at the tumor site
- Tingling or electric shock sensation when pressed
- Numbness in the area supplied by the nerve
- Progressive weakness
- Tinel's sign (tapping produces tingling)
Treatment Options
Microsurgical tumor excision
Intraoperative nerve monitoring
Observation for small, asymptomatic tumors
Biopsy for diagnostic confirmation
Dr. Marcus Stephens
Board-Certified Neurosurgeon
Providing expert peripheral nerve tumors treatment at Nova Brain and Spine of GA in Hampton, Georgia. Serving patients throughout Southern Georgia and the Atlanta metro area.