Departments and specialties

Mayo Clinic has one of the largest and most experienced practices in the United States, with campuses in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota. Staff skilled in dozens of specialties work together to ensure quality care and successful recovery.

Departments that treat this condition

Areas that research this condition

Research

Research and innovation in nerve sheath tumors

Mayo Clinic researchers are national leaders in studying new ways to diagnose and treat peripheral nerve tumors and other nerve sheath tumors, including schwannomas, neurofibromas and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). This work brings together doctors in neurology, neurosurgery, medical genetics, radiology, pathology, laboratory medicine and other specialties to advance care for people with rare and complex nerve tumors.

Mayo Clinic research teams have:

  • Identified a new nerve tumor syndrome, improving how complex nerve sheath tumors are recognized and classified.
  • Discovered specific gene changes involved in certain nerve sheath tumors, helping doctors tailor diagnosis and surveillance.
  • Uncovered the mechanism behind intraneural ganglion cysts and developed effective treatments now used worldwide.
  • Demonstrated how cancers can spread along peripheral nerves, guiding better imaging and treatment planning.
  • Shown that noninvasive imaging such as positron emission tomography (PET)-MRI can help distinguish benign from cancerous nerve tumors, reducing the need for diagnostic surgery in selected tumors.

These discoveries directly influence the care people receive at Mayo Clinic. Many patients benefit from advanced imaging, genetic testing, minimally invasive biopsy strategies and access to clinical trials informed by ongoing research. If you're seeking care for a nerve sheath tumor, choosing a center with active research can help ensure access to the newest diagnostic and treatment options.

Read more about nerve sheath tumor research at Mayo Clinic.

Laboratories

Scientists in the following Mayo Clinic laboratories are active in nerve sheath tumor research:

Publications

See a list of publications about nerve sheath tumors by Mayo Clinic doctors on PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine.

By Mayo Clinic Staff