A benign peripheral nerve tumor can cause symptoms if it presses on the nerve in which it is growing or on nearby nerves, blood vessels or tissues. As the tumor grows, it may be more likely to cause symptoms, but even small tumors can sometimes cause symptoms. Symptoms depend on the location of the tumor and which tissues it affects. Symptoms may include: 
Swelling or a lump under your skin
Pain, tingling or numbness
Weakness or loss of function in the affected area
Dizziness or loss of balance
 Causes The cause of benign peripheral nerve tumors usually isn't known. Some are passed down in families. The most common type of benign peripheral nerve tumor is a schwannoma. A schwannoma typically starts in a single bundle inside the main nerve, shifting the rest of the nerve. Another common type is a neurofibroma. A neurofibroma also often forms inside the nerve. Sometimes it grows from several nerve bundles. Perineuriomas are rare and can grow from inside or outside the nerve. Tumors outside a nerve can cause problems when they press on the nerve. Other benign tumors that form outside nerves are soft lumps of slow-growing fat cells called lipomas and ganglion cysts.  

  




 


 
 By Mayo Clinic Staff By Mayo Clinic Staff 
Benign peripheral nerve tumor care at Mayo Clinic
