Nerve Sheath Tumor: All you need to Know About

A nerve sheath is a layer that insulates and surrounds the nerve fibre. The sheath is a layer of connective tissue and myelin. The nerve sheath tumor is a growth observed within the covering of this sheath. These nerve sheath tumors can be cancerous in certain cases and require timely diagnosis and proper peripheral nerve sheath tumor treatment.

Also, one must know that most of these tumors are non-cancerous, but they might reflect some symptoms like numbness in the affected area, a mass that one can feel, the loss of hearing, and even loss of balance. Getting medical help or undergoing a proper nerve sheath tumor treatment is necessary.

  • Neurofibroma
  • Schwannoma
  • Peripheral nerve sheath tumor

Also, one must know that most of these tumors are non-cancerous, but they might reflect some of the symptoms like numbness in the affected area, a mass that one can feel the loss of hearing, and even loss of balance. Getting medical help or undergoing a proper nerve sheath tumor treatment is a must.



Diagnosis of Nerve Sheath Tumor

Doctors can follow many procedures for diagnosing a nerve sheath tumor; however, it largely depends on the time of the tumor. MRI is used to detect and evaluate nerve sheath tumors in most cases. However, doctors might ask for a biopsy if the tumor is malignant.Doctors can follow many procedures for diagnosing a nerve sheath tumor; however, it largely depends on the time of the tumor. MRI is used to detect and evaluate nerve sheath tumors in most cases. However, doctors might ask for a biopsy if the tumor is malignant.


Treatment for Nerve Sheath Tumor

The peripheral nerve sheath treatment depends on the kind of tumor one possesses. Some of the tumors might interfere with life, and so are usually left untreated, while others can be treated with a nerve sheath tumor surgery. Some of the doctors might also suggest radiation therapy for the treatment.

Here is a list of procedures and treatment options for patients with nerve sheath tumors:

  • Chemotherapy:Tumors tend to reappear even after aggressive treatments. It is, therefore, recommended to undergo chemotherapy. When radiations haven’t been able to cure the tumor completely, one can take help from chemotherapy for peripheral nerve sheath tumor treatment.
  • Active Monitoring:This treatment can be taken if the nerve sheath tumor is detected as non-cancerous with minor or no symptoms. Such monitoring is also carried out if the tumor was not completely removed with the surgery.
  • Radiation Therapy: This therapy is suggested when the peripheral nerve sheath tumor surgery does not altogether remove the tumor. The process reduces the size of the tumor. Also, radiation therapy can be taken to altogether avoid the reoccurrence of the tumor in case it has been completely removed with the nerve sheath treatment surgery.
  • Nerve Sheath Tumor Surgery: Such surgery is meant to remove the tumor in its complete form as much as possible. Also, while performing the surgery, it is made sure that the nerve experience no damage. However, in some unavoidable circumstances, nerve damage occurs.


In such cases, the doctors simultaneously perform nerve repair surgery and nerve sheath tumor surgery. Also, in the case of schwannomas, the tumor is peeled off from the nerve. But, in cases of neurofibroma, the tumor is removed after the opening of the nerve as it is present within. However, the recovery of the patients from the nerve sheath tumor surgery largely depends on the type of tumor, its size, and its location in the nerve. Get detailed instructions about the treatment and the procedure from a highly professional spine and brain doctor for the most reliable solution to your ailment. Meta Description: Nerve sheath tumor surgery depends on the symptoms indicated by the patient. Taking guidance from a reliable spine and nerve surgeon can be a great help.

Lecturing on Minimally invasive spinal surgery at recently concluded meeting by Artemis hospitals Gurugram.