Schwannoma

Jump to navigation Jump to search

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

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.

References

See also

Template:Nervous tissue tumors

cs:Neurinom de:Schwannom fa:شوانوما it:Schwannoma it:Schwannoma


Template:WikiDoc Sources