Peripheral Nerve Tumors

Advanced Surgery for Nerve Tumors in Encino and Valencia

California Neurosurgical Institute offers specialized care for patients experiencing peripheral nerve tumors. Our dedicated team is committed to providing advanced surgical options for individuals aged 12 and up with nerve-related pain and issues. We focus on delivering precise and compassionate treatment to alleviate symptoms and enhance your quality of life.

What Are Peripheral Nerve Tumors?

Peripheral nerve tumors develop on or around the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and may cause various symptoms. Common types of peripheral nerve tumors include schwannomas, neurofibromas, and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. An important distinction between schwannomas and neurofibromas is that schwannomas only arise from a single nerve fiber whereas neurofibromas involve many nerve fibers. As such, neurofibroma resections may involve cutting out a small portion of the involved nerve and repairing this section with a sensory nerve from another part of the body, such as the foot. Thus, trading numbness at the nerve donor site for muscle strength at the nerve recipient site. Peripheral nerve tumor surgery involves the surgical removal of these tumors to relieve symptoms, prevent further nerve damage, and improve function. The surgery aims to excise the tumor while preserving as much of the surrounding healthy nerve tissue as possible.

The Symptoms: What to Watch For

Peripheral nerve tumor surgeries address various symptoms that stem from untreated growths, including the following:

Pain: Tumors pressing on nerves can cause significant pain, which can be constant, sharp, or shooting along the path of the affected nerve.
Numbness and Tingling: Nerve compression from tumors can lead to sensory disturbances like numbness, tingling, or “pins and needles” sensations in the affected area.
Muscle Weakness: If a tumor compresses or damages motor nerves, it can lead to weakness or loss of muscle function in the corresponding muscle groups.
Loss of Coordination or Balance: Tumors affecting nerves that control muscle movements can cause difficulties with coordination or balance.
Visible Lumps or Swelling: In some cases, tumors may be palpable or visible as lumps under the skin, which may cause cosmetic concerns or discomfort.
Functional Impairment: Depending on the location of the tumor, patients may experience limitations in movement, difficulty with daily activities, or specific functional impairments (e.g., difficulty gripping objects).

What Is the Surgical Procedure?

Not all peripheral nerve sheet tumors require surgical intervention. Some asymptomatic and small tumors may be monitored with annual imaging studies. If surgery is needed, your peripheral nerve tumor surgery process starts with a comprehensive evaluation, including a physical examination and imaging studies (such as MRI or CT scans) to assess the tumor’s size, location, and impact on surrounding tissues. Peripheral nerve tumor surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision to access the tumor, carefully removing it from the root while preserving the nerve’s function as much as possible. A separate incision to obtain a donor nerve may be required if the tumor removal requires repair of the unhealthy nerve with a healthy donor sensory nerve. After surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery area. Postoperative care includes managing pain, monitoring for complications, and beginning rehabilitation to support recovery and restore nerve function.

The Recovery: Regaining Your Strength

Recovery from surgery varies depending on the tumor’s size, location, and whether it involves nerve removal or repair. Generally, most patients can expect some initial discomfort, swelling, and temporary sensation or muscle strength changes around the surgical site. Mild activities can often be resumed within a few days, but full recovery, including regaining strength, sensation, and coordination, typically takes several weeks to a few months.

Physical therapy may be recommended to aid in rehabilitation. In cases where the tumor was benign and nerve damage was minimal, recovery is usually quicker and less complex. For more extensive surgeries or when malignant tumors are involved, the recovery process may be longer and involve additional treatments like radiation or chemotherapy. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor healing and assess nerve function.

Choose Top-Tier Care with California Neurosurgical Institute

Choosing California Neurosurgical Institute for your peripheral nerve surgery ensures that you receive top-tier care with a meticulous approach from highly qualified experts. At California Neurosurgical Institute, every aspect of your treatment is handled with exceptional attention to detail, using the latest technology to provide optimal surgical outcomes. We recognize that every case is unique and deserves personalized care. Let us help.