What are Nerve Tumors?

Nerve tumors start in or around your nerves. Most are not cancer. But even non-cancerous growths can press on nerves and cause pain, numbness, or weakness. Some grow slowly. Others change quickly. The only way to know is to get them checked early.

Symptoms

You might feel:

  • Tingling or “pins and needles”
  • Muscle weakness
  • A lump under the skin
  • Pain that doesn’t go away
  • Loss of balance or coordination

If something feels off — even if it seems small — you deserve answers.

Causes & Risk Factors

Nerve tumors can happen to anyone, but some people are born with a higher risk. Conditions like neurofibromatosis or a family history may increase the chance of tumors forming.

How Nerve Tumors are Diagnosed

Your care team listens first. Then, if needed, imaging like an MRI or CT scan helps show where a tumor might be and how it’s affecting you. Sometimes a biopsy is needed to learn more about the tumor. But every step is taken with care and clarity, so you know what’s next.

Treatment Options

Not every nerve tumor needs to be removed. Some are monitored over time. Others may need:

  • Surgery, to remove the tumor while protecting nearby nerves
  • Radiation or medications, especially for cancerous tumors
  • Rehabilitation, to help you regain strength or movement

Whatever your path looks like, a team is with you — explaining, guiding, and helping you move forward.

What to Expect

Many people recover well, especially when nerve tumors are caught early. Some may need rehab to regain full movement. But healing doesn’t happen alone. You’re supported every step of the way.

Can Nerve Tumors be Prevented?

There’s no guaranteed way to prevent nerve tumors. But early checkups matter — especially if you notice new nerve symptoms or have a condition that raises your risk.

Why Early Care Matters

Pain that lingers. A hand that feels different. A foot that trips more than usual. These small changes can point to something deeper. When you speak up early, you open the door to gentler treatments and better outcomes.

You know your body best. And when something changes, we’re here to help you make sense of it — with care that sees the whole of you.

Why Choose CHRISTUS Health

You deserve care that sees you as more than your symptoms. At CHRISTUS Health, your story matters — every worry, every hope, every step forward. Here, caregivers take the time to listen before they act, to hold your hand before a procedure, and to celebrate each small milestone with you. Care is close to home, shaped around your needs, and ready when you are.

From your first visit to your last follow-up, you’ll have a team that treats you like family — walking with you through the hard days and cheering you on through the better ones. Because your health journey isn’t just about getting better. It’s about feeling understood, supported, and never alone.