What is Nerve Cancer Treatment?
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), 10 years of experience
What is the meaning of Nerve Cancer Treatment?
Surgery, radiosurgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are some of the common means of nerve cancer treatments. Nerve cancer is a condition in which growths or tumors are formed in or near the strands of tissue known as nerves that transmit signals from the brain to the other parts of the body.
The nerves control the muscles of the body and help them to walk, swallow, blink, and do other daily activities. Nerve cancer can occur in any part of the body. Most of them are non-cancerous (benign) in nature but can lead to symptoms like nerve damage, pain, and loss of function in the area that is affected. The nerve tumors may affect the nerves by either pressing against them (extraneural tumors) or growing within them (intraneural tumors).
In this article, we will be discussing in detail about nerve cancer and its treatment.
- What are the types of Nerve Cancers?
- What are the causes of Nerve Cancers?
- What are the risk factors of Nerve Cancer?
- What are the symptoms of Nerve Cancer?
- How to diagnose Nerve Cancer?
- What are the various Nerve Cancer Treatments?
- How to care after Nerve Cancer Treatments?
- What are the complications of Nerve Cancer Treatments?
- How to prevent Nerve Cancer?
- What is the cost of Nerve Cancer Treatment in India?
What are the types of Nerve Cancers?
The different types of nerve tumors include:
- Acoustic neuroma: It is also known as vestibular schwannoma. It is a non-cancerous, slow-growing tumor that develops on the vestibular (main) nerve that leads from the inner ear to the brain. It can cause ringing in the ears, unsteadiness, and loss of hearing.
- Desmoid tumors: These are non-cancerous types of tumors that are found in the connective tissue. They are also known as aggressive fibromatosis and occur most often in the arms, legs, and abdomen. ( Know more about- What is Lymphoma? Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Cost )
- Benign peripheral nerve tumor: The non-cancerous growths that occur in the peripheral nerves, which link the brain and the spinal cord to the other parts of the body are known as benign peripheral nerve tumors.
- Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors: It is a rare type of cancerous tumor that is found in the lining of the nerves extending from the spinal cord into the body. These tumors are also known as neurofibrosarcomas.
- Neurofibroma: It is a common type of benign tumor that results in the formation of soft bumps on or under the skin.
- Neurofibromatosis: These are tumors forming on the nerve tissue due to a group of genetic disorders.
- Schwannoma: It is a type of nerve sheath tumor that can occur at any age, in any part of the body. It is the most common type of benign peripheral nerve tumor seen in adults.
What are the causes of Nerve Cancers?
- In most cases, the cause of nerve cancer is not known. These cases are known as sporadic cases.
- Some cases are linked to certain inherited syndromes, like neurofibromatosis (type 1 and type 2) and schwannomatosis.
- Some cases may occur due to a malfunction in some genes.
- Other cases may be triggered by surgery or an injury.
What are the risk factors of Nerve Cancer?
Some factors increase the risk of developing nerve cancer. These factors include:
- Exposure to radiation therapy.
- Neurofibromatosis (type 1 and type 2) and schwannomatosis: These are inherited disorders in which non-cancerous tumors develop in or near the nerves throughout the body. These tumors are usually many in number, and can cause different symptoms based on their location.
What are the symptoms of Nerve Cancer?
The symptoms of nerve cancer vary depending on the location of the tumor and the type of tissues affected.
Some of the common symptoms of nerve cancer are:
- Pain
- Tingling or numbness ( Know more about- What is Tingling in Hands and Feet ? )
- Lump or swelling under the skin
- Loss of balance
- Dizziness ( Know more about- What is Dizziness? Home remedies for Dizziness )
- Weakness
- Loss of function in the area that is affected
How to diagnose Nerve Cancer?
- Physical examination: The doctor will first examine the patient physically. The patient’s symptoms are noted, along with the medical history and family history of the patient.
- Neurological exam: This is a procedure done by the doctor to check for central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) disorders. It includes several tests to check for muscle coordination, strength, and memory.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: A magnet, radio waves, and a computer is used to create a clear image of the nerves and the surrounding tissue.
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan: A series of x-rays are used to create cross-sectional images of the internal organs of the body using this procedure.
- Electromyogram (EMG): The doctor places small needles in the muscles. An electromyography instrument is then used for recording the electrical activity in the muscle as one tries to move it.
- Nerve conduction study: This test is done to measure how quickly the nerves carry the electrical signals to the muscles.
- Tumor biopsy: The doctor will remove a sample of the cells from the tumor and send it to the laboratory to check if the tumor is cancerous.
- Nerve biopsy: The doctor may excise a part of the nerve for examination if you have enlarged nerves that may mimic nerve tumors, or in case of progressive peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage). ( Know more about- What is Brain Aneurysm Surgery? Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Cost )
What are the various Nerve Cancer Treatments?
The treatment of nerve cancer depends on the type of tumor one has, which nerves and tissues are affected, the symptoms of the patient, and the overall health of the patient.
The different types of nerve cancer treatments are:
- Monitoring:
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- If the tumor is situated in an inaccessible area or if the tumor is too small, and causes no significant signs and symptoms, the doctor may prefer to wait and watch.
- Regular check-ups and CT scans or MRI scans are done every couple of months to check if the tumor is growing in size.
- Surgery:
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- The goal of surgery is the removal of the entire tumor without any damage to the healthy tissue and nerves nearby, or removal of as much tumor as possible if the entire removal is not possible.
- The neurosurgeon uses high-powered microscopes to distinguish a tumor from healthy tissue. The nerve function is monitored during the surgery to help in preserving the healthy tissue.
- New instruments and techniques allow the neurosurgeons to reach most nerve tumors.
- Stereotactic radiosurgery:
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- This treatment is used for the treatment of certain nerve tumors in or around the brain.
- In this type of procedure, the doctor delivers radiation to a nerve tumor without making a cut (incision).
- Gamma knife radiosurgery is an example of this type of treatment.
- Chemotherapy:
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- This procedure involves the use of certain medications to kill the cancer cells. ( Know more about- What is Chemotherapy? Types, Purpose, Procedure, Cost )
- Radiation therapy:
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- This method involves the use of high-powered energy beams such as x-rays and protons to destroy the cancer cells.
How to care after Nerve Cancer Treatments?
- Post-surgery the patient may require the use of a splint or brace to keep the arm or leg in a position that helps the patient to heal.
- Physiotherapists and occupational therapists can help in the recovery of mobility and function that may have been lost due to limb amputation or damage to the nerve. ( Know more about- What is Physiotherapy? Purpose, Benefits, Disadvantages )
- Regular follow-up with the doctor is a must after treatment. The doctor may recommend certain tests to check for any signs of recurrence of cancer.
What are the complications of Nerve Cancer Treatments?
Some of the common complications associated with nerve cancer treatments are:
- Nerve damage
- Nerve disability
- Loss of balance
- Recurrence of nerve cancer
- Bleeding
- Increased risk of infection
- Weakness and fatigue
- Numbness in the treated area
- Continued tumor growth (treatment failure) ( Know more about- What is Bone Marrow Transplant? Purpose, Procedure, Risk, Cost )
- Hair loss
- Loss of appetite
- Headaches
- Fertility problems
- Mouth ulcers
- Skin reactions
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Weight fluctuations
- Less focus and concentration (chemo brain)
- Low blood counts
If you notice any of the above side effects post nerve cancer treatment, contact your doctor immediately.
How to prevent Nerve Cancer?
- There is no way to prevent nerve cancer since most nerve tumors occur due to inherited conditions.
- One may avoid unnecessary exposure to radiation to decrease the risk of developing nerve cancer.
What is the cost of Nerve Cancer Treatment in India?
The total cost of nerve cancer treatment in India can range from around INR 2,00,000 to INR 7,50,000. However, the cost of the procedure may vary across different hospitals. There are many big hospitals and specialized doctors in India for nerve cancer treatment. The cost varies across different hospitals.
If you are coming from abroad, in addition to the expenses of nerve cancer treatment, there will be a cost of staying in a hotel, cost of living, and cost of local travel. Apart from this, after the procedure, the patient is kept in hospital for 5 days and in the hotel for 15 days for recovery. So, the total cost of nerve cancer treatment in India will be around INR 3,00,000 to INR 8,00,000.
We hope that we were able to answer all your questions regarding nerve cancer and nerve cancer treatment through this article.
If you want more information and treatment for nerve cancer, you can contact the Surgical Oncologist.
We only aim to give you information through the article and do not recommend medication or treatment in any way. Only a doctor can give you the best advice and correct treatment plan.
