Schwannoma

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Schwannoma
Synonyms	Neurilemmoma, Neurinoma
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Hearing loss, tinnitus, balance disorder, pain
Complications	Hearing loss, nerve damage
Onset	Typically in adulthood
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Genetic mutation
Risks	Neurofibromatosis type II, radiation exposure
Diagnosis	MRI, CT scan, biopsy
Differential diagnosis	Neurofibroma, meningioma, acoustic neuroma
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Surgery, radiation therapy
Medication	Pain management
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Schwannoma - Antoni A and B - intermediate magnification

Subcutaneous schwannoma Antoni B

Antoni A area of schwannoma with Verocay bodies

Subcutaneous schwannoma Antoni B

Subcutaneous schwannoma Antoni B

Subcutaneous schwannoma S-100 immunostain

Schwannoma is a type of tumor that originates from Schwann cells, the cells that produce the protective myelin sheath around peripheral nerves. Schwannomas are typically benign, meaning they are not cancerous and do not spread to other parts of the body. However, they can cause symptoms by pressing on nearby nerves or tissues.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a schwannoma can vary depending on the location of the tumor. Common symptoms can include:

• Pain
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Tingling
• Loss of muscle control

Causes

The exact cause of schwannomas is not known. However, they are often associated with a genetic disorder called Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2).

Diagnosis

Schwannomas are typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and imaging tests such as MRI or CT scan. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

The treatment for a schwannoma depends on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health. Treatment options can include:

• Observation
• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Stereotactic radiosurgery

Prognosis

The prognosis for a person with a schwannoma is generally good, as these tumors are typically benign and do not spread to other parts of the body. However, they can cause symptoms that can affect quality of life, and treatment can sometimes lead to complications.

See also

• Neurofibromatosis
• Peripheral nerve sheath tumor
• Neurology
• Oncology

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