[Peripheral neurogenic tumors--surgical therapy of nerve sheath tumors. Review and personal results].

Nerve sheath tumors are rare tumors originating from the Schwann's cover cells. Neurinomas, neurofibromas and schwannomas can be separated due to a diverse growth behavior. 24 patients with neurinomas and 13 patients with neurofibromas were operated on from January 1, 1987 to December 31, 1992 at the Department of Surgery, University Cologne. A total of 10 patients received treatment during the last ten years because of schwannoma. The concepts of treatment and differentiation of the various tumors are demonstrated and compared based on the patients records and on a review of the literature.