Benign Peripheral Nerve Tumors

Treatment

Mayo surgeons are able to precisely identify the tumor source, which allows them to resect the tumor safely and avoid injuring other parts of the nerve.

Enlarge

There are two general approaches to treatment of benign peripheral nerve tumors:

Observation

If the tissue mass is small, is not causing symptoms and appears benign, the recommended treatment may be to closely monitor the tumor through regular check-ups, with imaging tests to measure tumor growth. Observation may also be recommended in unusual cases where a tumor does not show signs of being malignant and is located where it is difficult to remove surgically.

Surgery

Surgery to remove the nerve tumor is the most common treatment for peripheral nerve tumors. Each year, Mayo Clinic neurosurgeons perform more than 100 operations to remove peripheral nerve tumors, a large volume practice for this relatively rare condition. Mayo Clinic is nationally recognized for special surgical techniques which remove the tumor without cutting or damaging the nerve. Mayo surgeons do sophisticated testing of nerve and muscle function in the operating room to safeguard patients from nerve injury.

Rehabilitation

Following surgery or after any kind of nerve injury, the muscles controlled by the nerve may need to be positioned or exercised in order to return to normal function.

Physical and occupational therapists guide patients through specific exercises to keep the affected muscles and joints active, prevent stiffness and help restore function and sensation or feeling.

Braces or splints may be used to help to hold the affected limb in the proper position to help improve muscle function.

A variety of medications can be used for pain control, including prescription pain medications or over-the-counter medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen.