A peripheral nerve tumor, also referred to as a peripheral nerve sheath tumor, is a neoplastic growth that arises in the peripheral nervous system. The term encompasses a wide range of tumors that develop from the Schwann cells, which form the myelin sheath around peripheral nerves responsible for protecting and supporting nerve fibers. Peripheral nerve tumors can commonly occur in any part of the body where peripheral nerves are present, including the arms, legs, head, neck, abdomen, and pelvis.
These tumors can manifest as benign or malignant growths, with the most prevalent benign variant being schwannoma and the most common malignant type being malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). Benign peripheral nerve tumors generally exhibit slow growth and are usually asymptomatic until they reach a certain size and begin to compress adjacent structures, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness. In contrast, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors are highly aggressive and tend to spread rapidly to other tissues and organs.
Diagnosis of peripheral nerve tumors often involves a combination of imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans, along with a biopsy to determine the type of tumor. Treatment options may include surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy to target and destroy cancerous cells, and chemotherapy for malignant tumors. The prognosis and outcome depend on factors such as tumor type, stage, location, and individual patient characteristics.
