Peripheral Nerve Tumors

Overview

Mayo Clinic specialists work as a multidisciplinary team to diagnose and treat all types of peripheral nerve tumors. Mayo Clinic is nationally recognized for developing special surgical techniques to treat these tumors. Because of Mayo's sophisticated diagnostic capabilities, Mayo doctors are often able to identify nerve conditions which either had been misdiagnosed or not identified at all, and many of these conditions can be successfully treated. For malignant tumors (cancers), patients benefit from the multidisciplinary, coordinated care offered through the Neuro-Oncology Program at Mayo Clinic.

Mayo Clinic surgeons are skilled at removing tumors from peripheral nerves. See treatment of benign peripheral nerve tumors.

• Read about treatment of benign peripheral nerve tumors.

About Peripheral Nerve Tumors

Peripheral nerves are the extensive network of nerves that link the brain and spinal cord to all other parts of the body. A tumor can sometimes 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 not malignant (cancerous) and their cause is unknown.