Schwannoma

For patient information click here

Schwannoma
ICD-O:	9560/0
DiseasesDB	33713
MeSH	D009442

Schwannoma Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Schwannoma from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Staging
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
X Ray
CT
MRI
Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Biopsy
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Schwannoma On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Schwannoma All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Schwannoma
CDC on Schwannoma
Schwannoma in the news
Blogs on Schwannoma
Directions to Hospitals Treating Schwannoma
Risk calculators and risk factors for Schwannoma

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Synonyms and keywords: Acoustic neuroma, acoustic neurinoma, or acoustic neurilemoma, neurilemmoma, neurinoma, neurolemmoma, Schwann cell tumor

Overview

A schwannoma is a kind of tumor originating from the Schwann cells. The insulating myelin sheath which covers peripheral nerves is produced by the Schwann cells. Hence, one kind of tumor originating from the Schwann cells is called a schwannoma.

Schwannomas are very homogenous tumors consisting only of Schwann cells. The tumor cells always stay on the outside of the nerve, but the tumor itself may either push the nerve aside and/or up against a bony structure (thereby possibly causing damage). Schwannomas are relatively slow growing. For reasons not yet understood, schwannomas are mostly benign and less than 1% become malignant degenerating into a form of cancer known as neurofibrosarcoma.

Schwannomas can arise from a genetic disorder called neurofibromatosis. They are universally S-100 positive.

Schwannomas can arise from a genetic disorder called schwannomatosis.

Pathophysiology

Microscopic Pathology

• File:Peripheral schwannoma Antoni type A (2).JPG
• Subcutaneous schwannoma
  Subcutaneous schwannoma
• File:Subcutaneous schwannoma (2) Antoni B.jpg
• File:Subcutaneous schwannoma (3) Antoni B.jpg
• File:Subcutaneous schwannoma (4) S-100 immunostain.jpg

Diagnosis

Symptoms

Unilateral/asymmetric hearing loss and/or tinnitus and loss of balance/dizziness are early signs of a vestibular schwannoma. Unfortunately, early detection of the tumor is sometimes difficult because the symptoms may be subtle and may not appear in the beginning stages of growth. Also, hearing loss, dizziness, and tinnitus are common symptoms of many middle and inner ear problems (the important point here is that unilateral or asymmetric symptoms are the worrisome ones).

Audiogram

Once the symptoms appear, a thorough ear examination and hearing test (audiogram) are essential for proper diagnosis.

Imaging Studies

Computerized tomography (CT) scans, enhanced with intravenous dye (contrast), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are critical in the early detection of a vestibular schwannoma and are helpful in determining the location and size of a tumor and in planning its microsurgical removal.

Treatment

Schwannomas can be removed surgically, but they can then recur.

See also

• Neurofibroma
• Vestibular schwannoma (Acoustic neuroma)

Template:WikiDoc Sources