Risk factors

Peripheral nerve tumors are more common in people who have:

• Neurofibromatosis (types 1 and 2) and schwannomatosis. In these disorders, tumors develop on or near the nerves throughout the body. These tumors, which are frequently multiple, can lead to a variety of symptoms and signs depending on their location. These tumors are usually noncancerous.
• A history of radiation treatment. If you were exposed to radiation, you are at increased risk of peripheral nerve tumors years later.