Benign Peripheral Nerve Tumors

Overview

Mayo Clinic is nationally recognized for developing special surgical techniques for treatment of benign peripheral nerve tumors. At Mayo, specialists from Neurology, Neurosurgery, Medical Genetics and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation work together to provide the most appropriate diagnosis and treatment for patients with benign peripheral nerve tumors.

Because of Mayo's efficient team system and sophisticated diagnostic capabilities, specialists are often able to identify nerve conditions, such as benign peripheral nerve tumors, that either have been misdiagnosed or not identified at all. Many of these conditions can be treated successfully.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is ranked among the Best Hospitals for Neurology, Neurosurgery and Rehabilitation care by U.S. News & World Report.

Diagnosis

To diagnose benign peripheral nerve tumors, Mayo Clinic physicians first conduct a detailed physical examination of the patient. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used to identify benign peripheral nerve tumors.

If a suspicious mass is found, a biopsy may be done to determine the type of tumor and whether the cells are benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Read more about peripheral nerve tumor diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Surgical removal is the most common treatment for benign peripheral nerve tumors. Surgeons at Mayo Clinic are highly skilled at safely removing them. Once a benign peripheral nerve tumor has been surgically removed, it is unlikely another tumor will develop in its place. Long-term follow-up is typically not necessary. Read more about peripheral nerve tumor treatment options.

• Treatment in Arizona
• Treatment in Florida
• Treatment in Minnesota
• Treatment of Children & Adolescents

About Peripheral Nerve Tumors

Dumbbell tumor

Peripheral nerves are the extensive network of nerves that link the brain and spinal cord to all other parts of the body. A tumor may form on or near a peripheral nerve and affect its function. Early diagnosis and treatment is critical to reduce the potential for nerve damage and loss of muscle control.

Nerve tumors may occur anywhere in the body. The vast majority of peripheral nerve tumors are benign, and their cause is unknown. Some are caused by genetic disorders of the nervous system, such as neurofibromatosis or schwannomatosis. Patients with neurofibromatosis need to be monitored to ensure that previously benign tumors do not become malignant. See types of nerve tumors.