Benign Peripheral Nerve Tumors

Treatment

Tumor resection

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The two general approaches to treatment of benign peripheral nerve tumors are observation and surgery.

Observation

If the tissue mass is small, is not growing or causing symptoms and appears benign, the recommended treatment may be close monitoring of the tumor through regular checkups, plus imaging tests to measure tumor growth. Observation may also be recommended in unusual cases, such as if a tumor does not show signs of being malignant and is located where it is difficult to remove surgically.

Surgery

Surgical removal 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 that remove the tumor without cutting or damaging the nerve. Mayo surgeons conduct sophisticated testing of nerve and muscle function in the operating room to safeguard patients from nerve injury.

Rehabilitation Following Surgery

Following surgery or after any kind of nerve injury, the muscles controlled by the nerve may need to be positioned or exercised so that function may be improved. At Mayo, physical and occupational therapists guide patients through specific exercises to keep affected muscles and joints active, prevent stiffness and help restore function and sensation or feeling.

Braces or splints may be used to help hold the affected limb in the proper position to help improve muscle function. A variety of medications may be used for pain control, including prescription pain medications or over-the-counter medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen.