Nerve tumors of the hand and upper extremity.

Tumors of peripheral nerve origin are usually slow growing and minimally symptomatic, making differentiation from other soft tissue neoplasms difficult. Yet failure to recognize a nerve tumor may result in irreversible loss of neurologic function. This article provides current information on the history, pathologic identification, and treatment of upper extremity nerve tumors. Other neoplastic and tumor-like lesions that occur within the peripheral nerve are also considered.