Benign Peripheral Nerve Tumors

Treatment

If your peripheral nerve tumor is benign, your Mayo Clinic doctor will recommend either observation or surgery.

Your doctor may recommend observation if your tumor is in a place that makes removal difficult or if the tumor is small and causes no problems. Observation includes regular checkups and imaging tests to see if your tumor is growing.

More commonly, your doctor will recommend surgery to remove the tumor. After surgery, you may need physical rehabilitation. Your doctor may use a brace or splint to keep your arm or leg in a position that helps you to heal. If you're having pain, your doctor may prescribe a pain medication or recommend an over-the-counter drug such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) or aspirin. Mayo Clinic physical therapists and occupational therapists can guide you through specific exercises that keep your muscles and joints active, prevent stiffness, and help to restore your function and feeling.

Once your tumor has been removed, you're unlikely to have another benign peripheral nerve tumor develop in its place or to need long-term monitoring.