If you’re struggling with unexplained pain, numbness, or weakness, a nerve tumor may be the cause. At Sharma Hand & Nerve, Dr. Ketan Sharma specializes in nerve tumor resection—a surgical procedure that aims to relieve symptoms by removing the source of nerve compression and restoring proper function.
What is Nerve Tumor Resection?
Nerve tumor resection is a surgical procedure that involves removing benign or malignant growths affecting the peripheral nerves. These tumors can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness by compressing or damaging the surrounding nerve tissue. Dr. Sharma performs this procedure precisely to protect healthy nerve structures while eliminating the tumor. Using advanced microsurgical techniques, Dr. Sharma carefully isolates and removes the tumor to relieve symptoms, prevent nerve damage, and restore function.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms Indicating You May Need Nerve Tumor Resection?
Nerve tumors often develop slowly and may go unnoticed until they begin to interfere with nerve function. If you’re experiencing persistent or unexplained symptoms, it may be time to consider evaluation. Here are signs that could indicate the need for nerve tumor resection:
- Ongoing pain or burning sensation along a specific nerve path
- Localized numbness or tingling in the arms, legs, or hands
- Noticeable lump or mass near a nerve
- Progressive muscle weakness or loss of coordination
- Pain that worsens with movement or pressure
- Symptoms that don’t improve with conservative care or medications
What Does Nerve Tumor Resection Treat?
Nerve tumor resection is used to treat abnormal growths that develop along or within the peripheral nerves. These tumors—whether benign or malignant—can disrupt nerve function, leading to chronic pain, weakness, or numbness in the affected limb.
Left untreated, they may grow and cause permanent nerve damage or disability. Dr. Sharma performs nerve tumor resections to remove these masses while preserving nerve integrity whenever possible.
What Happens During Nerve Tumor Resection?
Dr. Sharma begins by marking and exposing the affected area under general anesthesia. He makes a carefully planned incision directly over the involved nerve, often using intraoperative nerve monitoring to map out nerve function in real time. Once the tumor is visualized, he uses an operating microscope and microsurgical instruments to gently dissect the tumor away from healthy nerve fibers. If the tumor is well-encapsulated and not infiltrating the nerve, it may be removed entirely without disturbing nerve continuity.
In more complex cases, such as when the tumor is embedded within or replacing parts of the nerve, Dr. Sharma may excise the affected segment and reconstruct it using autologous nerve grafts. After confirming there’s no residual compression or bleeding, he carefully closes the layers of tissue to reduce scarring and protect the nerve. The surgery is highly technical and may last several hours, depending on the tumor’s size, location, and complexity.
What is Recovery Like After Nerve Tumor Resection?
After nerve tumor resection, you can expect some swelling, soreness, and temporary changes in sensation near the surgical site. Downtime will vary depending on the tumor’s size, location, and whether nerve reconstruction was performed. Most patients resume light activities within a few days, but full recovery may take several weeks to months. You’ll be closely monitored to ensure the nerve heals properly and to watch for any signs of recurrence or residual nerve dysfunction. Physical therapy may be recommended to help restore strength and function.
To support your recovery, you should:
- Follow all wound care instructions provided by Dr. Sharma
- Take prescribed medications to manage pain and inflammation
- Avoid strenuous activity or lifting until cleared
- Attend all follow-up appointments for nerve function assessment
- Report any new or worsening symptoms immediately
- Begin physical therapy if advised for mobility and strength
Why Choose Dr. Sharma for Nerve Tumor Resection?
Dr. Ketan Sharma is a board-certified hand and nerve surgeon with extensive expertise in microsurgical procedures for complex peripheral nerve conditions. He performs over 600 nerve and pain surgeries each year, making him one of the busiest surgeons in his field worldwide. With advanced training in both plastic and orthopaedic microsurgery, Dr. Sharma approaches nerve tumor resection with the precision required to protect delicate nerve structures.
Patients choose Dr. Sharma because he:
- Has a world-class education from Johns Hopkins, Duke, and Washington University
- Uses advanced nerve-monitoring and microsurgical techniques
- Prioritizes preservation and restoration of nerve function
- Treats each case with a customized, anatomy-driven surgical plan
- Provides compassionate, hands-on care from consultation to recovery
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sharma to find out if nerve tumor resection is right for you.
