Dr. John D. Lipani is a board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeon who practices neurosurgery in New Jersey. Dr. Lipani specializes in image guided brain surgery, complex and minimally invasive spinal surgery and non-invasive radiosurgery. Neurofibromas may be treated using conventional surgery, or in many cases, using non-invasive or knifeless radiosurgery.
A neurofibroma is a benign, slow growing tumor in the peripheral nervous system. They are found in abundance in individuals with Neurofibromatosis, but also may be found in other individuals. Neurofibroma symptoms from physical disfiguration and pain to weakness and sensory loss in the affected limb. Intracranial neurofibromas can result in brain tissue compression, which may be life threatening. Spinal neuofibromas are often asymptomatic. When symptoms are present, they usually include pain or sensory changes in the distribution of the affected nerve root.
Schwannomas are similar to neurofibromas in that they are benign tumors that affect individual nerves. Neurofibromas tend to involve tumor growth that is intrinsic to the affected nerves, whereas schwannomas involve abnormal growth of schwann cells that surround and insulate the affected nerve. Although schwannomas and neurofibromas do not spread, they can grow large enough to compress the affected nerve and affect its function. In other cases, these tumors may grow large enough to compress other surrounding structures such as the brain stem or spinal cord.
Spinal neurofibromas grow from nerves along the spinal column. Some people with spinal neurofibromas experience no symptoms. Symptoms may occur once the neurofibroma has grown large enough to affect nerve function. Symptoms typically include back pain, numbness in an arm or leg and weakness in the affected arm or leg. As multiple lesions are not uncommon, patients may present with multiple radiculopathies (i.e. nerve root symptoms). An MRI will be ordered to properly identify an existing or growing neurofibroma.
Surgery is available for neurofibromas that prove to be symptomatic; however, because neurofibromas tend to encase the nerve roots, they usually cannot be removed from the parent nerve without sacrificing the nerve. Therefore, complete removal may not be possible. Alternatively, non-invasive stereotactic radiosurgery can be used to selectively destroy the tumor without affecting the parent nerve. Radiosurgery treatment for neurofibromas and schwannomas is not offered at most centers. Dr. Lipani's extensive training and experience in radiosurgery allows him to offer radiosurgery as a unique and effective treatment option for neurofibromas and schwannomas.
For more information about neurofibromas or neurofibroma treatment, contact the office of Dr. John D. Lipani at (609)-890-3400 today!
