Diagnostic Assessment and Treatment of Peripheral Nerve Tumors

Tumors involving peripheral nerves may be extremely challenging lesions to diagnose and treat.  In order to optimize their management,  physicians should have a thorough knowledge of peripheral nerve anatomy and pathology (both gross and microscopic), as well as familiarity with microsurgical techniques and intraoperative neurophysiological recording.This  compendium deals with all aspects of tumors affecting peripheral nerves,  from diagnosis to treatment; the topics it addresses range  from epidemiology, anatomy, physiology, pathology, and clinical diagnosis to electrophysiology, imaging, genetic/cytomolecular aspects. Surgical approaches, biopsies and resection of various benign, malignant and pseudo-tumoral lesions, plexus tumors (both brachial and lumbosacral), and adjunctive treatment modalities and pain-related issues are described in detail.The  book is intended not only for neurosurgeons, hand surgeons, plastic and orthopedic surgeons new to the field, but also for seasoned specialists who wish to update their knowledge with new insights based on robust experimental and clinical material.  In addition, it will be a helpful tool for general and oncological surgeons who are sometimes faced with  the treatment of mass lesions that may be potential  nerve tumors, and for  all practitioners who are engaged in the arduous struggle to bring relief to patients affected by these lesions.

Tumors involving peripheral nerves may be extremely challenging lesions to diagnose and treat.  In order to optimize their management,  physicians should have a thorough knowledge of peripheral nerve anatomy and pathology (both gross and microscopic), as well as familiarity with microsurgical techniques and intraoperative neurophysiological recording.

This  compendium deals with all aspects of tumors affecting peripheral nerves,  from diagnosis to treatment; the topics it addresses range  from epidemiology, anatomy, physiology, pathology, and clinical diagnosis to electrophysiology, imaging, genetic/cytomolecular aspects. Surgical approaches, biopsies and resection of various benign, malignant and pseudo-tumoral lesions, plexus tumors (both brachial and lumbosacral), and adjunctive treatment modalities and pain-related issues are described in detail.

The  book is intended not only for neurosurgeons, hand surgeons, plastic and orthopedic surgeons new to the field, but also for seasoned specialists who wish to update their knowledge with new insights based on robust experimental and clinical material.  In addition, it will be a helpful tool for general and oncological surgeons who are sometimes faced with  the treatment of mass lesions that may be potential  nerve tumors, and for  all practitioners who are engaged in the arduous struggle to bring relief to patients affected by these lesions.

Epidemiology.- Genetics.- Pathological basis for classification (cytomolecular aspects).- Clinical assessment.- Preoperative neurophysiological evaluation.- Ultrasound imaging.- MR Imaging.- Other imaging modalities (PET scan, CAT scan, etc).- Indications and techniques for pre-operative biopsy.- Fundamental aspects of surgical techniques for resection.- Neurophysiological monitoring during surgery.- Complications after tumor resection.- Management of  painful conditions associated with nerve tumors.- Indications for radio and chemotherapy in malignant tumors.- Schwannomas.- Neurofibromas.- Perineuriomas.- Non-neurogenic tumoral and  pseudotumoral lesions.- MALIGNANT PERIPHERAL NERVE SHEATH TUMORS.- Management of brachial plexus tumors.- Management of lumbosacral plexus tumors.- Management of paraspinal nerve sheath tumors.- Peripheral nerve tumors in infancy and childhood: particular aspects.- Epidemiology of genetic diseases with peripheral nerve tumors.- General introduction to Neurofibromatosis.- Genetic aspects of Neurofibromatosis.- Clinical management & indications for surgery in Neurofibromatosis.- Plexiform tumors in Neurofibromatosis.- Management of MPNST in Neurofibromatosis.- Schwannomatosis.