Peripheral nerve tumors in adults and children: clinical and diagnostic characteristics

Aim. To describe clinical and instrumental characteristics of patients with primary solitary and multiple tumors of the peripheral nerves. Materials and methods. Data from 45 patients were analyzed. In accordance with the examination results, the patients were retrospectively divided into 2 groups: 1) with solitary tumors: schwannomas ( n = 22), neurofibromas ( n = 10), perineuriomas ( n = 5), neurofibrosarcomas ( n = 2); 2) with multiple tumors: schwannomatosis ( n = 3) and neurofibromatosis ( n = 3). Results. The study did not show differences in the severity of motor deficit and the results of neurophysiological exams between solitary and multiple tumors; however, differences between pathomorphological types were observed. The most benign disease course was observed in patients with schwannomas, including multiple schwannomas; severe motor deficit was observed in patients with neurofibrosarcomas and crossover neurofibromas. Pain component was characteristic of neurofibrosarcomas, neurofibromas and melanotic schwannoma; perineuriomas were characterized by painless progression. Conclusion. Compulsory scan along the nerve allows to find tumors in clinically intact areas and other nerves.