Neurology diagnoses and treats disorders of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, as well as thought and memory.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
The symptoms of peripheral nerve disorders vary wildly depending on whether the problem is a mechanical injury, a metabolic issue, or a neoplastic growth. Because nerves carry different types of fibers—motor, sensory, and autonomic—the clinical picture can be a mix of weakness, pain, and changes in sweating or blood flow. Recognizing the “red flags” of malignant growth is particularly critical for early intervention.
A malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor often presents differently than a benign growth. While benign tumors grow slowly and are often painless, malignant tumors may expand rapidly and cause severe, unremitting pain that disturbs sleep. The sudden enlargement of a previously stable lump in a patient with Neurofibromatosis is a major warning sign.
When a nerve is compressed or invaded by a tumor, the flow of information is blocked. Motor symptoms include weakness in the specific muscles supplied by that nerve, leading to muscle wasting (atrophy) over time. Sensory symptoms range from complete numbness to “pins and needles” or burning pain in the distribution of the nerve.
In very rare cases, patients may present with metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma. This is a distinct and highly aggressive subtype of nerve tumor that can show evidence of melanin production (pigment). Symptoms may include dark discoloration of the skin over the mass, in addition to the standard signs of nerve compression and metastatic spread to the lungs or bones.
The most significant risk factor for developing a malignant nerve tumor is a history of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). Patients with NF1 have a genetic mutation that predisposes them to multiple nerve tumors. A “plexiform neurofibroma,” a complex benign tumor seen in NF1, has a lifetime risk of transforming into a malignancy.
Previous exposure to radiation therapy is a known risk factor for developing nerve tumors later in life. Patients who received radiation for other cancers may develop a nerve sheath tumor in the radiation field years or decades later. Trauma and chronic irritation are less likely to cause tumors but are common causes of non neoplastic nerve pain.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Persistent numbness usually indicates some form of nerve compromise, whether it is temporary compression (like a leg falling asleep) or structural damage.
No, stress does not cause nerve tumors. These are caused by genetic mutations or environmental factors like radiation, not emotional stress.
Individuals with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 are at the highest risk, with a lifetime risk of about 8 to 13 percent, compared to a very low risk in the general population.
The carotid arteries are two vital blood vessels. They supply blood to the brain and head. Many strokes happen because of blockages or ruptures in
l5 Nerve damage in the lower back, especially at the L4-L5 level, can really affect your daily life. The L4-L5 vertebrae are key for supporting
Lower back pain is a big problem worldwide. It often comes from L4 nerve compression. This occurs when the L4 nerve root is compressed. It
Nerve damage is a big problem worldwide, affecting millions. It makes everyday life hard. Surgery can help fix nerve damage from injuries, tumors, and when
Leave your phone number and our medical team will call you back to discuss your healthcare needs and answer all your questions.
Your Comparison List (you must select at least 2 packages)
