Info
Perineural invasion
Cancer cells have invaded the sheaths of the nerves in the area of the tumor. It can increase the risk of local recurrence and can influence the treatment plan.
What it means
The presence of tumor cells in the sheaths of the nerves in or around the tumor. It can influence the risk of local recurrence and the decision about adjuvant treatment.
In short
Cancer cells have invaded the sheaths of the nerves in the area of the tumor. It can increase the risk of local recurrence and can influence the treatment plan.
Where you will see it
Mentioned in the postoperative histopathology report.
What it does not tell you on its own
Perineural invasion on its own does not decide the type of treatment. It is interpreted together with margins, stage and the tumor board recommendation.
Questions for your doctor
- Is there perineural invasion in my case?
- What does it mean for the risk of recurrence?
- Does it mean adjuvant radiotherapy?
Related terms
The terms below often appear alongside this one. Each definition is right here, so you do not have to look elsewhere.
- Histopathology
- The examination under the microscope of tissue taken by biopsy or surgery. The histopathology report describes the type of cells, the tumor grade and other details that help establish the diagnosis and treatment.
- Resection margins
- The area of healthy tissue removed together with the tumor during an operation. If the margins are clear, it means that no cancer cells can be seen under the microscope at the edge of the removed piece.
- Recurrence
- The return of the disease after a period in which the cancer was absent or controlled. Recurrence can appear locally, regionally or at a distance, and it is one of the reasons why oncological monitoring remains important after treatment.
Other terms in “Diagnosis”
Glossary definitions are written for patients by the OncoDots team and go through internal medical review. They explain terms; they do not establish a diagnosis and do not recommend a treatment.