Peripheral Nerve Tumors

Overview

Peripheral nerve tumors are masses that occur on or near the network of nerves (peripheral nerves) that link the brain and spinal cord to other parts of the body. Peripheral nerve tumors may occur anywhere in the body and may affect the function of the peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerve tumors may be noncancerous (benign peripheral nerve tumors) or cancerous (malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors), though most are benign. Some conditions, including neurofibromatosis or schwannomatosis, may predispose people to develop peripheral nerve tumors.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic doctors who have training in nervous system conditions (neurologists), surgeons trained in nerve surgery (neurosurgeons) and doctors who have training in physical medicine and rehabilitation work as an integrated team to diagnose and treat people who have all types of peripheral nerve tumors. Surgeons trained in muscle and skeletal surgery (orthopedic surgeons), doctors who have training in cancer care (medical oncologists) and doctors trained in treating cancer with radiation (radiation oncologists) also may treat people who have malignant peripheral nerve tumors. Doctors who have training in treating children who have medical conditions (pediatricians) treat children who have peripheral nerve tumors at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery and for heart and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic also ranks among the Best Children's Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery and for heart and heart surgery.