Abstract

Tumors of peripheral nerves, although uncommon, occur with sufficient frequency to cause difficulties in diagnosis and problems in treatment. Schwannoma is the most common benign peripheral nerve shealth tumor, are usually located eccentrically within nerve, and their slow growth is accommodated by the flexible perineurium and epineurium which dissipate potential compressive forces. The treatment is operative excision. After excision of a schwannoma there is usually relief of preoperative symptoms; recurrence is rare. A series of 9 patients with schwannoma of peripheral nerves operated between 1993 and 1996 in the Instituto de Neurocirugia Asenjo are presented. Four patients were female, and the average age was 31 years (range, 18 to 45 years). All of the patients had a enucleation of the tumor. The results revealed that all patients obtained complete relief of symptoms.