What is schwannoma of the spine?
What is a Schwannoma? A schwannoma is a spinal tumor that arises from the lining of the nerve cells of the spine. The nerves of the spine are insulated by a protective sheath called myelin, which transmits nerve impulses throughout the body. Schwann cells create the myelin sheath of the nerves.
Where is the most common location for schwannoma?
A common area for schwannomas is in the nerve that connects your brain to your inner ear (vestibular schwannoma). Cancerous schwannomas most frequently affect the sciatic nerve of your leg, the brachial plexus nerves in your arm and the group of nerves in your lower back called the sacral plexus.
How serious is a schwannoma?
Schwannoma tumors are often benign, which means they are not cancer. But, in rare cases, they can become cancer.
How common is spinal schwannoma?
The “multiple” form of neurofibromas is known as von Recklinghausen’s disease3). According to Western studies, the incidence of spinal schwannomas varies between 0.3-0.4 cases/100,000 persons per year17).
What causes spinal schwannomas?
Risk Factors. Inherited conditions called neurofibromatosis II (NF2) and schwannomatosis can cause schwannomas. Patients without NF2 or schwannomatosis are said to have “sporadic” schwannomas, and these occur without any known risk factors.
How fast do spinal schwannomas grow?
The average absolute growth rate was 139 mm(3) per year, and the average relative growth rate was 5.3% per year.
How is a spinal schwannoma removed?
Total removal of the mass is performed by isolating the tumor from the surrounding nervous structures (spinal cord and/or nerve roots) and then carefully dissecting it from afferent nerve root. Though debated, cutting nerve root is a relatively common choice during schwannomas surgery.
Should schwannoma be removed?
Schwannoma treatment depends on where the abnormal growth is located and whether it is causing pain or growing quickly. Treatment options include: Monitoring. Your doctor may suggest observing your condition over time.
How long is recovery from schwannoma surgery?
Most patients are able to return to work and most pre-surgery activities within 6-12 weeks. You may still experience residual symptoms in the months following your vestibular schwannoma treatment, including headaches, facial muscle weakness, dizziness, or vision and/or hearing difficulties.
How long does it take to recover from schwannoma surgery?
After you have your vestibular schwannoma surgery, you’ll have a follow-up appointment with the neurosurgeon. This will usually be about 7 to 14 days after the surgery. Your full recovery time will vary from four to six weeks, depending on how big your acoustic neuroma was and how long the surgical procedure lasted.
What kind of surgeon removes schwannoma?
An experienced peripheral nerve surgeon can remove the tumor if it is causing pain or growing quickly. Schwannoma surgery is done under general anesthesia.
When should a schwannoma be removed?
An experienced peripheral nerve surgeon can remove the tumor if it is causing pain or growing quickly. Schwannoma surgery is done under general anesthesia. Depending on the location of the tumor, some patients can go home the day of surgery. Others may need to stay in the hospital for one or two days.