Schwannoma

Disease Overview

A schwannoma is a tumor of the peripheral nervous system or nerve root. A schwannoma develops from cells called Schwann cells, a type of cell that wraps itself around peripheral nerves and provides protection and support. Schwannomas are almost always benign (not cancerous), but rarely, may become cancerous (a malignant schwannoma).[14146][7866] Symptoms of a schwannoma may be vague and will vary depending on its location and size, but may include a lump or bump that can be seen or felt, pain, muscle weakness, tingling, numbness, hearing problems, and/or facial paralysis.[14146][7866][14134] Sometimes schwannomas do not cause any symptoms.[14146]

Schwannomas usually develop in otherwise healthy people for unknown reasons.[7866] In some cases, a schwannoma is caused by a genetic disorder such as neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2), schwannomatosis, or Carney complex.[14146][7866][7867] People with these genetic disorders usually have more than one schwannoma.[14146][7866]

Schwannomas may be diagnosed using imaging studies. A biopsy may confirm the diagnosis.[14146][7866] Treatment of benign schwannomas may involve surgery to remove the tumor.[7866] Treatment of malignant schwannomas may include both surgery and radiation therapy.[13503]

Synonyms

• Neurilemoma
• Benign schwannoma
• Neurilemmoma
• Neurolemmoma
• Peripheral fibroblastoma