Schwannoma

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

Schwannoma Microchapters
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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

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

History & 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).

Other Diagnostic Studies

Audiogram

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

CT

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.

Surgery

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

See also

• Neurofibroma
• Vestibular schwannoma (Acoustic neuroma)

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