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| ==[[Schwannoma overview|Overview]]== | | ==[[Schwannoma overview|Overview]]== |
| Schwannomas are benign tumors of Schwann cell origin and are the most common tumor of peripheral nerves, including cranial nerves.
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| ==Classification == | | ==[[Schwannoma historical perspective|Historical Perspective]]== |
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| Schwannoma may be classified according to pathology into 4 subtypes: conventional schwannoma, cellular schwannoma, plexiform schwannoma, and melanotic schwannoma.
| | ==[[Schwannoma classification|Classification]]== |
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| {| class="wikitable"
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| ! colspan="2" |Classification
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| |'''Pathology'''
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| *Conventional schwannoma
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| *Cellular schwannoma
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| *Plexiform schwannoma
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| *Melanotic schwannoma
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| |-
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| |'''Location'''
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| *Intracranial schwannoma:
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| :*[[Acoustic neuroma]] (most common)
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| :*Trigeminal schwannoma
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| :*Facial nerve schwannoma
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| :*Jugular foramen schwannoma
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| :*Hypoglossal schwannomas
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| *Spinal schwannoma
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| *Intercostal nerve schwannoma
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| *Intramuscular schwannoma
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| *Posterior mediastinum schwannoma
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| *Retroperitoneum schwannoma
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| *Intracerebral schwannoma
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| |}
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| ==[[Schwannoma pathophysiology|Pathophysiology]]== | | ==[[Schwannoma pathophysiology|Pathophysiology]]== |
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| ==[[Schwannoma causes|Causes]]== | | ==[[ Schwannoma causes|Causes]]== |
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| ==[[Schwannoma differential diagnosis|Differentiating Schwannoma from other Diseases]]== | | ==[[ Schwannoma differential diagnosis|Differentiating Schwannoma from other Diseases]]== |
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| ==[[Schwannoma epidemiology and demographics|Epidemiology and Demographics]]== | | ==[[Schwannoma epidemiology and demographics|Epidemiology and Demographics]]== |
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| ==== Age ====
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| Peak presentation is in the 5th-6th decades. When they occur in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), schwannomas usually present by the 3rd decade 4.
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| === Gender ===
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| There is no sex predilection.
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| ==[[Schwannoma risk factors|Risk Factors]]== | | ==[[Schwannoma risk factors|Risk Factors]]== |
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| ==[[Schwannoma natural history, complications and prognosis|Natural History, Complications and Prognosis]]== | | ==[[Schwannoma natural history, complications and prognosis|Natural History, Complications and Prognosis]]== |
| {{SI}}
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| ==== Clinical presentation ====
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| Presentation depends on the location of the tumor (see below) but generally, symptoms are due to local mass effect or dysfunction of the nerve they arise from.
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| Symptoms of schwannoma depend on the location of the tumor.
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| *Intracranial schwannoma:
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| :*[[Acoustic neuroma]] (most common)
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| ::*[[Sensorineural]] [[hearing]] loss
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| ::*[[Vertigo]]
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| ::*[[Tinnitus]]
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| ::*[[Facial weakness]]
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| ::*Facial [[numbness]] and [[tingling]]
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| ::*[[Headaches]]
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| ::*[[Dizziness]]
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| ::*Difficulty swallowing and [[hoarseness]]
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| ::*Taste changes
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| ::*[[Confusion]]
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| :*Trigeminal schwannoma
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| ::*[[Trigeminal nerve]] dysfunction
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| :*Facial nerve schwannoma
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| ::*[[Facial nerve]] dysfunction
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| :*Jugular foramen schwannoma
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| ::*[[Hearing loss]]
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| ::*[[Tinnitus]]
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| ::*[[Dysphagia]]
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| ::*[[Ataxia]]
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| ::*[[Hoarseness]]
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| :*Hypoglossal schwannomas
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| ::*[[Hypoglossal nerve]] dysfunction
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| *Spinal schwannoma
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| ::*[[Back pain]]
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| ::*[[Urinary incontinence]]
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| ::*[[Urinary retention]]
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| ::*[[Clumsiness]]
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| ::*[[Weakness]]
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| ::*[[Paresthesias]]
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| *Intercostal nerve schwannoma
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| :*Usually asymptomatic
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| *Intramuscular schwannoma
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| :*Painless [[mass]]
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| === Physical Examination ===
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| Common physical examination findings of schwannoma include [[papilledema]], impaired hearing, [[hypoesthesia]], and extremities [[paresis]].
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| ===HEENT===
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| *[[Papilledema]] on fundoscopic examination
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| *[[Hypoesthesia]]
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| *[[Aphasia]]
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| *Impaired hearing
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| *Facial paralysis
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| *[[Nystagmus]]
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| ===Neuromuscular===
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| *[[Hyporeflexia]]
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| *Extremities [[paresis]]
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| *[[Ataxia]]
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| *Extremities [[hypoesthesia]]
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| ==== Pathology ====
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| ==== Macroscopic appearance ====
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| Schwannomas are benign encapsulated neoplasms of Schwann cells (WHO grade I). They arise eccentrically from their parent nerve, with the nerve fibers splayed along their surface (as distinct to neurofibromas which arise within the nerve).
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| ==== Microscopic appearance ====
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| Conventional schwannomas are composed of spindle cells which demonstrate two growth patterns: Antoni type A and Antoni type B 7,8.
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| Antoni type A pattern: elongated cells are densely packed and arranged in fascicles. Palisades are sometimes seen; when prominent these form Verocay bodies.
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| Antoni type B pattern cells are less compact and are prone to cystic degeneration.
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| ===== Variants =====
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| Schwannoma variants include 6,8:
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| * ancient schwannoma
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| * cellular schwannoma
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| ** predominantly composed of Antoni A tissue
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| ** no Verocay bodies
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| ** most commonly found in a paravertebral location, or trigeminal nerves (CN V)
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| * melanotic schwannoma: dense melanin pigment
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| * plexiform schwannoma
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| ** usually arise from skin or subcutaneous tissues
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| ** usually diagnosed at birth or childhood
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| ** usually sporadic, but rarely associated with NF2
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| ** should not be confused with plexiform neurofibromas
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| *** associated with NF1
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| *** may undergo malignant change
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| ===== Locations =====
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| * intracranial schwannomas
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| ** cranial nerves: although almost any cranial nerve may be involved, except olfactory nerves and optic nerves which lack sheaths composed of Schwann cells, by far the most commonly involved nerve is the vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII)
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| ** non-cranial nerve or intracerebral (very rare)
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| * spinal schwannoma
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| ** arising from spinal nerve roots
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| * trunk
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| ** intercostal nerves – see intercostal nerve schwannoma
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| ** posterior mediastinum
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| ** retroperitoneum
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| ** gastrointestinal schwannoma
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| * limbs
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| ** especially flexor surfaces (specifically ulnar and peroneal nerves)
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| ==== Radiographic features ====
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| General imaging features of schwannomas include:
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| * well circumscribed masses which displace adjacent structures without direct invasion
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| * cystic and fatty degeneration are common 4
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| * the larger a schwannoma, the more likely it is to show heterogeneity because of cystic degeneration or hemorrhage 3
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| * hemorrhage occurs in 5% of cases 3
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| * calcification is rare
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| ===== CT =====
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| CT is not as sensitive or specific for the diagnosis of schwannoma as MRI but is often the first investigation obtained. It is particularly useful in assessing bony changes adjacent to the tumor.
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| Imaging features include:
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| * low to intermediate attenuation
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| * intense contrast enhancement
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| ** small tumors typically demonstrate homogeneous enhancement
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| ** larger tumors may show heterogeneous enhancement
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| * adjacent bone remodelling with smooth corticated edges
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| ===== MRI =====
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| Schwannomas have fairly predictable signal characteristics 7:
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| * '''T1''': isointense or hypointense
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| * '''T1 C+ (Gd)''': intense enhancement
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| * '''T2:''' heterogeneously hyperintense (Antoni A: relatively low, Antoni B: high)
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| ** cystic degenerative areas may be present, especially in larger tumors
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| * '''T2*:''' larger tumors often have areas of hemosiderin
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| A number of signs can also be useful:
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| * split-fat sign: thin peripheral rim of fat best seen on planes along long axis of the lesion in non-fat-suppressed sequences
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| * target sign
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| ** peripheral high T2 signal
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| ** central low signal
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| ** rarely seen intracranially 7
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| * fascicular sign: multiple small ring-like structures
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| ==== Treatment and prognosis ====
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| Schwannomas are slow-growing lesions. Surgery is the treatment of choice. As schwannomas do not infiltrate the parent nerve, they can usually be separated from it. Recurrence is unusual, even after complete resection. They almost never undergo malignant change.
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| ==Overview==
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| '''Schwannomatosis''' is one form of a genetic disorder called [[Neurofibromatosis]] (NF) that has only recently been recognized. It is a rare disorder, affecting only around 1:40,000 individuals.
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| == Symptoms ==
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| * [[Schwannomas_and_Neurofibromas|Schwannomas]] occur instead of [[Neurofibroma|Neurofibromas]].
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| * Multiple Schwannomas occur.
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| * The Schwannomas develop on cranial, spinal and peripheral nerves.
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| * Chronic pain, and sometimes numbness, tingling and weakness.
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| * About 1/3 of patients have segmental Schwannomatosis, which means that the Schwannomas are limited to a single part of the body, such as an arm, a leg or the spine.
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| * There are several cases where people with Schwannomatosis have developed a vestibular Schwannoma ([[acoustic neuroma]]).
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| * Patients with Schwannomatosis do not have learning disabilities related to the disease.
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| * Symptoms are generally brought on by hormonal changes such as puberty and pregnancy.
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| == Cause ==
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| * Like the NF1 and NF2 genes, the candidate Schwannomatosis gene, named INI1, is a tumor suppressor that regulates cell cycle, growth and differentiation. INI1 is also known as SMARCB1, hSNF5, or BAF47, and lies on human Chromosome 22. INI1 is also mutated in other tumors including malignant brain & kidney tumors in infants.
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| * Schwannomatosis is known to be a genetic disorder, however it can skip generations.
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| == Treatment ==
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| * If feasible, the Schwannomas can be surgically removed. Any tumor-associated pain usually subsides after tumor removal. Damaged nerves and scar tissue can be a result of surgery and pain can be an ongoing problem.
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| * Sometimes, a tumor will reappear at the same site after surgery.
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| * If surgery is unfeasible, then pain management will have to be used. Schwannomatosis can sometimes cause severe, untreatable pain over time.
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| * Other than surgery and/or pain management, there are no other medical treatments available. There are no drugs available to treat Schwannomatosis.
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| * Gamma knife surgery can be performed on head tumors to help slow growth of a tumor, although there is no guarantee that it will work.
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| * Recently, many advances are being made in the treatment of schwannomas. Of interest is '''CyberKnife''', manufactured by '''Accuray'''. Success rates, although limited in data, appear to be in the low to mid ninety percent range.
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| [[Category:Neurological disorders]]
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| [[Category:Types of cancer]]
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| {{WikiDoc Help Menu}}
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| {{WikiDoc Sources}}
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| ==Diagnosis== | | ==Diagnosis== |
| [[Schwannoma staging|Staging]] | [[Schwannoma history and symptoms|History and Symptoms]] | [[Schwannoma physical examination|Physical Examination]] | [[Schwannoma laboratory findings|Laboratory Findings]] | [[Schwannoma x ray|X Ray]] | [[Schwannoma CT|CT]] | [[Schwannoma MRI|MRI]] | [[Schwannoma ultrasound|Ultrasound]] | [[Schwannoma other imaging findings|Other Imaging Findings]] | [[Schwannoma other diagnostic studies|Other Diagnostic Studies]] | [[Schwannoma biopsy|Biopsy]] | | [[Schwannoma diagnostic study of choice|Diagnostic study of choice]] | [[Schwannoma history and symptoms|History and Symptoms]] | [[Schwannoma physical examination|Physical Examination]] | [[Schwannoma laboratory findings|Laboratory Findings]] | [[Schwannoma electrocardiogram|Electrocardiogram]] | [[Schwannoma x ray|X-Ray Findings]] | [[Schwannoma echocardiography and ultrasound|Echocardiography and Ultrasound]] | [[ Schwannoma CT scan|CT-Scan Findings]] | [[Schwannoma MRI|MRI Findings]] | [[Schwannoma other imaging findings|Other Imaging Findings]] | [[Schwannoma other diagnostic studies|Other Diagnostic Studies]] |
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| ==Treatment== | | ==Treatment== |
| A schwannoma (sh-won-oma) is a tumour of the tissue that covers nerves, called the nerve sheath. These tumours develop from a type of cell called a Schwann cell, which gives them their name.
| | [[Schwannoma medical therapy|Medical Therapy]] | [Schwannoma interventions|Interventions]] | [[ Schwannoma surgery|Surgery]] | [[Schwannoma primary prevention|Primary Prevention]] | [[Schwannoma secondary prevention|Secondary Prevention]] | [[Schwannoma cost-effectiveness of therapy|Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy]] | [[ Schwannomafuture or investigational therapies|Future or Investigational Therapies]] |
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| Schwannomas are often not cancerous (benign).
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| The most common type of schwannoma is a vestibular schwannoma. It affects the nerve responsible for balance (also called the vestibular nerve).
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| It can cause inner ear deafness because the hearing and balance nerve run together, and as the tumour grows it damages the hearing nerve (cochlear nerve). Because of this doctors used to call them acoustic neuromas.
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| * Find out more about vestibular schwannoma
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| When these tumours are cancerous they are called malignant schwannomas. They are also called malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours or neurofibrosarcomas.
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| They can start anywhere in the body.
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| The most common areas are:
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| * the major nerve of the leg (the sciatic nerve)
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| * the nerves at the top of the arm (the brachial plexus)
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| * the lower back (the network of nerves called the sacral plexus).
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| * Find out more about malignant schwannomas
| | ==Case Studies== |
| | [[ case study one|Case #1]] |
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| *
| | [[Category: (name of the system)]] |
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| == Treatment of Schwannomas ==
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| Treatment depends on where the tumour is in your body and whether it is benign or malignant (cancerous). Your specialist may monitor you carefully at first rather than suggest treatment. They will see your regularly and monitor any symptoms you have. This is because the treatment can cause a lot of side effects.
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| The main treatment for schwannoma is surgery to remove the tumour. The type of surgery you have depends on where in the body the tumour is.
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| You might also have radiotherapy and chemotherapy if you have a malignant tumour.
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| ==Case Studies== | | ==Case Studies== |