What is Perineural Invasion? Symptoms, Treatment
Perineural invasion (PNI) is a term used to describe the invasion of cancer cells into the nerves that surround a tumor. Cancer cells may grow along the nerves and spread to other parts of the body, making the cancer more difficult to treat and increasing the risk of recurrence.
Perineural invasion is commonly seen in several types of cancer, including prostate, head and neck, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer. It is often associated with a poorer prognosis and increased risk of cancer recurrence.
what are the symptoms of perineural invasion?
- Head and neck cancer: Pain, difficulty swallowing, voice changes, ear pain, or facial numbness or weakness may occur.
- Prostate cancer: Frequent urination, difficulty urinating, blood in the urine or semen, or erectile dysfunction may occur.
- Colorectal cancer: Changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss may occur.
- Pancreatic cancer: Abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), unexplained weight loss, or loss of appetite may occur.
perineural invasion treatment
Perineural invasion (PNI) is a factor that is taken into consideration when developing a treatment plan for cancer, as it can indicate a more aggressive cancer that may require more aggressive treatment.
The treatment for PNI depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as other individual factors such as age, overall health, and personal preferences. Treatment options may include:
- Surgery: Surgery is often the primary treatment for many types of cancer, and it may involve removing the tumor as well as any surrounding nerves that may be affected by PNI.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells and may be used in combination with surgery or as the primary treatment for some types of cancer.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells and may be used in combination with surgery or radiation therapy, or as the primary treatment for some types of cancer.
- Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy is a newer type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to target specific molecules or proteins that are involved in cancer growth.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses the body’s own immune system to fight of cancer.