Nerve Sheath Tumors

Summary:

Nerve sheath tumors are cancers of the nerve. They often are very painful, and cause dysfunction of the nerve that is affected.
Overtime they can invade other parts of the nervous system, like the spinal cord and brain, which can cause further dysfunction.

Explanation:

Nerve sheath tumors are a cancer that affects nerves. Typically a single nerve is affected, and the tumor grows along that nerve. Initially, most pet’s will present with pain. As the disease progresses, you can see muscle loss in the muscles that the affected nerve controls. Overtime the tumor can grow in to the spinal cord or brain, which cause more significant dysfunction.

Diagnosis

Nerve sheath tumors are typically found on MRI. Early on, the tumors can be difficult to see, and repeat MRIs may be necessary. The neurology team may also recommend other testing, such as spinal tap, infectious disease testing to make sure you dog does not have a different disease that can look similar on MRI. A nerve biopsy is required to be 100% sure that your dog’s disease is cancerous.

Treatment and Prognosis:

Treatment of nerve sheath tumors typically involves surgery, radiation or both. If the tumor can be completely removed, surgery can be curative. Unfortunately, the tumors have often invaded the spinal cord or brain and the time of diagnosis, which makes a complete cure unlikely. Surgery and radiation therapy alone can often provide significant relief for pets, often about a year. Treatments can be more effective when combined, providing longer relief of symptoms Your doctor will discuss the exact prognosis they expect for your pet depending on the tumor’s size, location and how affected your pet is.

While your pet is undergoing treatment, it is important that we pay close attention to their comfort level. Many of these tumors can be very painful, and can need multiple pain medications to control that discomfort.