Survival rates By Mayo Clinic Staff Benign nerve sheath tumors usually have a very good long-term outlook. Many stay the same size for years, and others can be removed with surgery. When the entire tumor is taken out, it rarely grows back. Malignant nerve sheath tumors have a more serious outlook. Outcomes depend on the size of the tumor, how quickly it is growing and whether it can be removed completely. Early diagnosis offers the best chance to control the tumor. These tumors can return even after treatment, so regular follow-up is important. Request an appointment Diagnosis & treatmentDoctors & departments Feb. 10, 2026 Share on: FacebookTwitter Show references Soft tissue sarcoma. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/guidelines-detail?category=1&id=1464. Accessed Dec. 9, 2025. Lim Z, et al. Survival outcomes of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) with and without neurofibromatosis type I (NF1): A meta-analysis. World Journal of Surgical Oncology. 2024; doi:10.1186/s12957-023-03296-z. Hirbe AC, et al. Contemporary approach to neurofibromatosis type 1-associated malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. American Society of Clinical Oncology Education Book. 2024; doi:10.1200/EDBK_432242. Cai Z, et al. Prognosis and risk factors for malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor: A systematic review and meta-analysis. World Journal of Surgical Oncology. 2020; doi:10.1186/s12957-020-02036-x. Dabiri M, et al. MR imaging of peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Clinics of North America. 2025; doi:10.1016/j.mric.2025.03.006. Lefebvre G, et al. Ultrasound and MR imaging of peripheral nerve tumors: The state of the art. Skeletal Radiology. 2023; doi:10.1007/s00256-022-04087-5. Aru MG, et al. Beyond schwannomas and neurofibromas: A radiological and histopathological review of lesser-known benign lesions that arise in association with peripheral nerves. Skeletal Radiology. 2023; doi:10.1007/s00256-022-04207-1. Brahmbhatt P, et al. Sinonasal schwannomas: Imaging findings and review of literature. Ear Nose, & Throat Journal. 2025; doi:10.1177/01455613221150573. Kotch C, et al. Updates in the management of central and peripheral nervous system tumors among patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 and neurofibromatosis type 2. Pediatric Neurosurgery. 2023; doi:10.1159/000529507. Winn HR, ed. Head and neck paragangliomas. In: Youmans and Winn Neurological Surgery. 8th ed. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Dec. 9, 2025. Francis HW, et al., eds. Neoplasms of the posterior fossa. In: Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 8th ed. Elsevier; 2026. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Dec. 9, 2025. Steinmetz MP, et al., eds. Intradural extramedullary spine tumors. In: Benzel's Spine Surgery: Techniques, Complication Avoidance, and Management. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Dec. 9, 2025. Quinones-Hinojosa A, et al., eds. Peripheral nerve tumors of the extremities. In: Schmidek & Sweet: Operative Neurosurgical Techniques. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Dec. 9, 2025. Jankovic J, et al., eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Dec. 9. 2025. Laufer I, et al. Intradural nerve sheath tumors. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Dec. 9, 2025. Related Associated Procedures Chemotherapy CT scan Electromyography (EMG) MRI Radiation therapy Stereotactic radiosurgery Show more associated procedures Nerve sheath tumorsSymptoms&causesDiagnosis&treatmentSurvivalratesDoctors&departmentsCare atMayoClinic CON-20592860 Diseases & Conditions Nerve sheath tumors