ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Benign peripheral nerve tumor

What is Benign peripheral nerve tumor?

16:26 - 6 February , 2024

Disease

It is a mass or lump of abnormal, soft tissue that develops in the peripheral nerves, which are responsible for regulating the muscles that allow different functions in the body such as walking, blinking, and swallowing, among others.

A benign tumor of the peripheral nerves can develop in any part of the body. Although it is not cancerous, it can damage the peripheral nerve and cause loss of function in the affected area.

The cause of a benign peripheral nerve tumor is unknown, but it may be related to genetic alteration or hereditary syndromes such as neurofibromatosis type 1 and type 2, and schwannomatosis. People who receive or received radiation therapy treatments for cancer have a greater predisposition to developing a peripheral nerve tumor.

There are various types of tumors, the most common being:

  • Schwannoma.
  • Neurofibroma.
  • Perineurioma.
  • Lipoma.

Signs and symptoms Benign peripheral nerve tumor

The symptoms will depend on the affected tissues and the place where the tumor appears, with the most common signs being the following:

  • Lump under the skin.
  • Lack of strength.
  • Decrease or loss of function in the affected area.
  • Pain in the area.
  • Numbness.
  • Tingling.
  • Inflammation.
  • Dizziness.
  • Loss of balance.
  • Burning or stinging sensation in the affected area.

Diagnosis and treatment Benign peripheral nerve tumor

After the doctor analyzes your symptoms and clinical history, they will perform a physical and neurological examination and will request various tests to rule out other conditions and corroborate the diagnosis, such as:

  • Electromyography.
  • Electroneurography.
  • Nerve conduction tests.
  • MRI.
  • Computed tomography.
  • Tumor tissue biopsy.
  • Nerve biopsy.

The treatment to follow depends on the severity and type of tumor, its location, the affected tissue, and the symptoms, but usually includes:

  • Surgery to remove the tumor.
  • Observation and periodic controls if the tumor is small and does not cause symptoms.
  • Stereotactic radiosurgery.

At the Neurology Center, a group of highly trained and certified doctors in various neurological specialties are prepared to serve you with the quality and warmth that sets us apart.

Related centers and departments

Neurology Center
Internal Medicine
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

  • cun.es
  • topdoctors.es
  • tmcaz.com
  • nih.gov
  • revistaneurocirugia.com
  • neurology.org
  • middlesexhealth.org
  • mayoclinic.org
  • medlineplus.gov
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medigraphic.com
  • Espinosa FJ, Rodríguez LR, Ortiz CAB, et al. Schwanoma en carrillo derecho. Reporte de un caso y revisión de literatura. Rev Mex Cir Bucal Maxilofac. 2019;15(1):35-40.
  • Ramos-Cárdenas R, Acevedo-Estrada RI, Pineda-Villafuerte EF. Schwannoma de nervio mediano en un paciente con neurofibromatosis tipo I. Rev Esp Med Quir. 2014;19(3):371-374.
  • Sánchez-Torres LJ, Santos-Hernández M, Chávez RMM. Neurofibroma plexiforme gigante del nervio ciático. Informe de caso. Rev Mex Ortop Ped. 2010;12(1):48-52.

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