Peripheral nerve tumours

Peripheral nerve tumours

Schwannomas are solitary and encapsulated tumours attached to or surrounded by nerve, although paralysis of the associated nerve is unusual. The vagus nerve is the most common site. Neurofibromas also arise from the Schwann cell and may be - part of von Recklinghausen’s syndrome of multiple neuro - fibromatosis. Multiple neurofibromatosis is an autosomal dominant, hereditary disease; the neurofibromas may be present at birth and are often multiple. Diagnosis requires CT or MRI scanning to di ff erentiate them from other parapharyngeal tumours b ut, on occasions, the diagnosis must wait until excision ( Figure 52.6 9 ). Peripheral nerve tumours

Schwannomas are solitary and encapsulated tumours attached to or surrounded by nerve, although paralysis of the associated nerve is unusual. The vagus nerve is the most common site. Neurofibromas also arise from the Schwann cell and may be - part of von Recklinghausen’s syndrome of multiple neuro - fibromatosis. Multiple neurofibromatosis is an autosomal dominant, hereditary disease; the neurofibromas may be present at birth and are often multiple. Diagnosis requires CT or MRI scanning to di ff erentiate them from other parapharyngeal tumours b ut, on occasions, the diagnosis must wait until excision ( Figure 52.6 9 ).