Description

Benign peripheral nerve tumors are tumors that form in the peripheral nerves. The peripheral nerves link the brain and the spinal cord to other parts of the body. These nerves control the muscles that allow you to walk, blink, swallow, pick up things and doing other activities. Benign tumors are not cancerous.

Several different types of tumors can form in the peripheral nerves. While some are caused by genetic, the cause of these tumors is not known.

Although the majority of these types of tumors are not cancerous, they can cause nerve damage and loss of muscle control. It is important that you consult your health care professional if you have a lump or if you have pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.

Types of

Tumors of peripheral nerves affect the nerves growing inside of them, or by pressing against them. Peripheral nerve tumors that grow on nerves are called intraneural tumors. Tumors that press against the nerves are called extraneural tumors. Most of the peripherals of the tumors are not cancerous. These are known as benign tumors. Different types of benign tumors of peripheral nerves include:

  • Schwannoma.A schwannoma is the most common benign peripheral nerve tumor in adults. These tumors of the nerve sheath are called schwannomas because they are made up of Schwann cells. Schwann cells surround the nerves. These tumors tend to grow slowly. If you develop a schwannoma in an arm or a leg, you may notice a mass. But it could be a schwannoma for years before realizing it. A schwannoma typically comes from a single bundle of nerve fibers, called specification, within the main nerve. Some of the schwannomas grow and form irregular shapes within the vertebral column and the pelvis, such as dumbbell tumors. When a schwannoma grows, the more issues are at risk when trying to remove the tumor safely. Schwannomas most commonly occur alone. Occasionally, some people have several of them in the arms, legs or body. This is a condition called schwannomatosis. A rare schwannoma near the brain stem, known as an acoustic neuroma can cause problems with balance or hearing. This type of tumor is also known as a vestibular schwannoma. Sometimes occurs in people with a condition called NF2-related schwannomatosis. If acoustic neuromas are not treated and continue to grow, can affect nearby nerves and press on the brain stem.
  • Neurofibroma.This common type of benign nerve tumor tends to form in the center of a nerve. A neurofibroma may arise from several nerve bundles and tends to cause mild symptoms. A neurofibroma is most commonly develops in people who have a genetic disease that causes tumors to grow on nerves. This condition is known as neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). The symptoms of NF1 include skin color changes, and benign tumors of the skin. Some people with NF1 develop other conditions. These conditions include changes in the bones, such as the curvature of the spine, and an eye nerve tumor called an optic glioma. People with NF1 are at risk of developing a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor.
  • Perineurioma. This rare benign peripheral nerve tumor arises from perineurial cells, a type of cell that surrounds the peripheral nerve sheath. A perineurioma may form within a nerve, called intraneural perineurioma. Also can form in the soft tissues next to the nerve, called a extraneural perineurioma. An intraneural perineurioma occurs most often in children and young adults. Usually causes progressive weakness in an arm or a leg.
  • Lipoma. Slow growth of fat cells cause this benign, smooth bump that typically appears on the skin on the neck, shoulders, back, or arms. A lipoma near a nerve may be squeezed. Generally, however, a lipoma does not cause pain or other problems. Your health care professional that you want to monitor a lipoma through periodic reviews.
  • Ganglion cyst. Some cysts ganglion come from an injury, but the majority have no known cause. Are formed near the joints, such as wrist, and can cause pain and interfere with activities of daily living. Some go away without treatment, but ganglion cysts the press or in the nerves need to be treated.

Schwannoma. A schwannoma is the most common benign peripheral nerve tumor in adults. These tumors of the nerve sheath are called schwannomas because they are made up of Schwann cells. Schwann cells surround the nerves.

These tumors tend to grow slowly. If you develop a schwannoma in an arm or a leg, you may notice a mass. But it could be a schwannoma for years before realizing it.

A schwannoma typically comes from a single bundle of nerve fibers, called specification, within the main nerve. Some of the schwannomas grow and form irregular shapes within the vertebral column and the pelvis, such as dumbbell tumors. When a schwannoma grows, the more issues are at risk when trying to remove the tumor safely.

Schwannomas most commonly occur alone. Occasionally, some people have several of them in the arms, legs or body. This is a condition called schwannomatosis.

A rare schwannoma near the brain stem, known as an acoustic neuroma can cause problems with balance or hearing. This type of tumor is also known as a vestibular schwannoma. Sometimes occurs in people with a condition called NF2-related schwannomatosis. If acoustic neuromas are not treated and continue to grow, can affect nearby nerves and press on the brain stem.

Neurofibroma. This common type of benign nerve tumor tends to form in the center of a nerve. A neurofibroma may arise from several nerve bundles and tends to cause mild symptoms. A neurofibroma is most commonly develops in people who have a genetic disease that causes tumors to grow on nerves. This condition is known as neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).

The symptoms of NF1 include skin color changes, and benign tumors of the skin. Some people with NF1 develop other conditions. These conditions include changes in the bones, such as the curvature of the spine, and an eye nerve tumor called an optic glioma. People with NF1 are at risk of developing a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor.

Symptoms

The symptoms depend on the location of the benign peripheral nerve tumor and of the nerves and the tissues affected. Symptoms may include:

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

A benign tumor of the peripheral nerves of the tumor can cause symptoms if you press on the nerve that is growing. Also can put pressure on nearby nerves, blood vessels or tissues.

As the tumor grows, it may be more likely to cause symptoms. But even small tumors can cause symptoms.

Causes

The cause of the benign tumors of peripheral nerves that typically is not known. Some are transmitted in families.

Risk factors

The risk factors may be different depending on the type of benign peripheral nerve tumor.

For neurofibromas, have the genetic condition known as neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a risk factor. NF1 can cause a person to have multiple neurofibromas. But most of the people who have neurofibromas do not have NF1.

People with NF1 are also at higher risk of developing a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. It is important for them to check, often with a health professional to control that risk.

For schwannomas, have the gene that causes the schwannomatosis is a risk factor.

Diagnosis

To diagnose a tumor of the peripheral nerve, your health care professional performs tests to find the location of the tumor, and what type of tumor it is.

Tests

You may need one or more of the following tests.

  • The magnetic resonance imaging. This is the preferred method for imaging of peripheral nerve tumors. This analysis uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce a detailed 3D view of the nerves and surrounding tissue. This can help determine if you have a tumor and whether the tumor is located inside or outside of the nerve.
  • Computed tomography. A CT scanner rotates around the body to record a series of images. This test is not as useful as a magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of a tumor of the peripheral nerve. However, your healthcare provider may recommend if you can not have an mri or if you need more details on the bone near the tumor.
  • Electromyogram (EMG). This test records the electrical activity of a muscle when you try to move it. It is used to help localize the tumor and to identify which nerves are involved.
  • The nerve conduction study. It is likely that you have this test along with your EMG. It measures the speed with which their nerves carry electrical signals to the muscles.
  • Biopsy of the Tumor. If the imaging tests to identify a nerve tumor, your health care professional can remove and study of a small sample of cells from the tumor. This is known as biopsy. Depending on the size of the tumor and the location, you might need a local or general anesthesia, during the biopsy. The biopsy can be done with a needle with the help of images, or it can be done during the surgery.
  • In the nerve biopsy. To help diagnose the type of tumor, your health care professional may take a biopsy of the nerve. This involves taking a small tissue sample and send it to a lab, where he is studying to look for signs of cancer.

Treatment

The treatment of peripheral nerve tumors involves the surgical removal or watching the tumor to the changes. If there is a low probability that the tumor may become cancerous, and if it is not causing symptoms, you may not need surgery.

Your healthcare provider may also recommend watching if the tumor is in a place that makes it difficult to remove. The observation includes routine check-ups and imaging tests to see if the tumor is growing.

Surgery may be needed if there is a concern that the tumor is cancerous. The tumor may also be surgically removed if it is large or cause pain or other symptoms, such as weakness, numbness or a tingling sensation.

Preparing for your appointment

You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in diseases of the nervous system, known as a neurologist. Or you may be referred to a doctor trained in brain and nervous system surgery, known as a neurosurgeon.

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment and know what to expect.

What you can do

  • Make a note of when you first noticed the symptoms and if they have changed over time.
  • Write down your key medical information , including any type of surgery.
  • Make a list of all your medications, vitamins, or supplements , including the dose.
  • Find out if someone in your family has had similar problems.
  • Ask a family member or friend to accompany you, to help you remember what you learn during the appointment.
  • Write questions to ask during the appointment.

Questions to ask your doctor

  • What is the most likely cause of the problem?
  • What kinds of tests do I need?
  • What treatments are available?
  • I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?

In addition to the questions that you have prepared, do not hesitate to ask other questions that arise during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care professional makes a series of questions. Be prepared to respond to them can make the time to go over points you want to discuss it in depth. You can ask:

  • Do you have pain? Where is it?
  • Do you have any weakness, numbness or tingling?
  • The symptoms been continuous or occasional?
  • What treatments have already tested for these issues?
Symptoms and treatment of peripheral nerve tumor