The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
Resection of nerve tumours
This procedure aims to remove the peripheral nerve tumour. Certain types of tumours can be removed from the surface of a nerve, while others grow within the nerve tissue itself.
About having nerve tumours removed
This procedure aims to remove peripheral nerve tumours as completely as possible, without damaging the nerve. Certain types of tumour (schwannomas) can be removed from the surface of a nerve, while others grow within a nerve (neurofibroma).
In these cases, the nerve may be opened up so that the tumour can be removed.
Each procedure is carried out using a surgical microscope, so that the surgeon can determine which tissue is part of the tumour and which tissue is healthy.
Most peripheral nerve tumours are benign (not cancerous), but can occasionally be malignant (cancerous). A common type is a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (PNST) which can grow in the lining of the nerves in the spinal cord.
Both types of tumour can grow anywhere in the body and can cause pain, numbness and loss of function.
Need to know
Treatment varies according to the location of growth. If a patient has a tumour in the spinal cord they may need a vertebrae removed first (laminectomy) before the surgeon can access the spinal nerves. Where a tumour grows within a nerve, a resection is carried out. Here, the section of nerve containing the tumour is removed, and the remaining nerve end is reattached.
If the nerve isn't long enough, a healthy nerve may be taken from somewhere else and used to reattach the nerve to the muscle. If a tumour is growing in a limb, it may be necessary to remove surrounding muscle and bone. Here, rods and screws may be used to provide support.
Your consultant will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. Because you'll be having general anaesthetic, they'll let you know how long you should avoid eating and drinking before surgery.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including work and exercise. If your tumour is cancerous, you will also see an oncology team. They will support you through your treatment, which may include radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Mr Marco Sinisi - Peripheral Nerve Specialist
At HCA Healthcare UK, we work with leading consultants to enable access to the the latest techniques and treatment.
Mr Marco Sinisi is our lead consultant for Peripheral Nerve Injuries based at The Wellington Hospital. Mr Sinisi has a comprehensive knowledge of nerve injuries and has experience in a wide range of nerve problems from trauma through to sports injuries. He is experienced in managing complex nerve conditions as well as performing complex nerve operations.
Our Resection of nerve tumours locations
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Elstree Waterfront Outpatients
Beaufort House WD6 3BS Elstree
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.