Peripheral nerves are responsible to connect the brain and spinal cord of a person to his/her other body parts. These nerves are responsible to control various muscles to allow individuals to walk, swallow, blink and select thinks, while do their daily activities.
Nerve sheath tumors may take place of different types and even though exact cause is unknown, a few of them are of hereditary types. Most of the nerve sheath tumors are benign type, but they can cause nerve damages and loss of muscular control. Because of this, it is essential to consult with a doctor in case you experience any pain, unusual lump, numbness or tingling in the affected area. In most of the cases, nerve sheath tumors grow from any particular nerve directly and that too randomly.
However, it may even takes place due to neurofibromatosis or any other similar type of health condition/syndrome.
Can You Be Cured Of A Nerve Sheath Tumor?
With the aim to cure nerve sheath tumor, doctors recommend for the following major treatments.
Surgery For Nerve Sheath Tumor
The main objective of nerve sheath tumor surgery is to remove the tumor completely and a small margin of nearby healthy tissues. However, if this option is not available, surgeons opt to remove maximum portion of the patient’s tumor. Depending on the size and location of the nerve sheath tumor, surgery may cause disability and damage to your nerve.
In case the tumor takes place in your legs and arms, doctors recommend for amputation of the limb. Moreover, in few cases, doctors may recommend for radiation therapy before performing surgery, as it helps in shrinking of your tumor and thereby, removed completely.
Radiation Therapy For Nerve Sheath Tumor
Radiation therapy for nerve sheath tumor involves the use of powerful energy beams, like protons and X-rays to kill various cancerous cells. Radiation is useful before surgery for shrinking a tumor and in turn, helps in successful surgery. Along with this, radiation therapy is applicable post-surgery for killing of cancer cells, which may remain in patients.
Chemotherapy For Nerve Sheath Tumor
Chemotherapy for nerve sheath tumor refers to a drug treatment and it uses various chemicals for killing of cancerous cells. In case your nerve sheath tumor spreads to other body parts, your doctor suggests for chemotherapy, as it helps in controlling your symptoms and slow your cancer’s growth.
Rehabilitation For Nerve Sheath Tumor
After your surgery, both physical therapists and occupational therapists work with you as a team to help in the recovery of your normal functions and mobility loss because of limb amputation or nerve damage.
Types of Nerve Sheath Tumors
Nerve sheath tumors take place in either of two different types as mentioned here-
- Neurofibromas or benign type of peripheral nerve sheath tumors, which are or noncancerous
- Sarcoma or malignant type of peripheral nerve sheath tumors, which are cancerous and require surgery compulsory
Symptoms of Nerve Sheath Tumor
Nerve sheath tumor, whether it is of cancerous type or non-cancerous one, comes with following major signs and symptoms.
- Weakness while trying to move your affected body part
- Pain in your affected area
- A growing tissue or lump beneath the skin
Causes of Nerve Sheath Tumor
According to the analysis conducted by doctors or neurologists, nerve sheath tumors start whenever cells present within the protective lining across a nerve develops a DNA mutation or error. Genetic or DNA mutation forces the cell for multiplying in a rapid way and continues living while other cells die normally. Accumulated cells form tumors and may grow to invade surrounding tissues or spread to other body areas.
Conclusion
According to aforementioned detailed information about nerve sheath tumor, we should say that cure of the problem is possible. However, the treatment depends on specific condition of the sheath tumor, along with its exact location and its size. One of the best ways to deal with the situation is to discuss with your doctor regularly to get proper treatments within time.
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