Nerve Tumors
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Conditions
- Nerve Tumors
Normal cells grow, divide, and die in a well-controlled manner. The term “tumor” describes abnormal cellular growth, division, or delayed cell death. These abnormal cells may be benign, meaning they grow abnormally but do not spread or affect other tissues. The most common benign nerve tumors are Schwannomas and Neurofibromas. Alternatively, these abnormal cells may be malignant, meaning they may spread or invade neighboring tissues. The most common malignant nerve tumor is a Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor.
Overall, nerve tumors are rare. Many of these tumors do not cause symptoms until they have grown relatively large. Symptoms may include numbness or tingling in a specific nerve distribution, weakness, and/or pain. Diagnosis of a nerve tumor can be made by history, physical examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and/or tissue biopsy.
Treatment
Treatment can vary depending on the type of tumor, the size of the tumor and the symptoms of the tumor. Sometimes, a tissue biopsy is necessary to determine the specific type of tumor. If the tumor is benign and causing minimal symptoms, treatment can involve observation. If the tumor is benign but causing symptoms, the tumor can be surgically removed. If the tumor is malignant, treatment typically involves a multidisciplinary approach involving surgeons, oncologists, pathologists, and rehabilitation specialists. Surgery for these lesions usually involves removal of the tumor and radiation to the area. Recovery can vary widely and is based on the extent of the tumor involvement.
