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Schwannoma


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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Shanshan Cen, M.D. [2]

Synonyms and keywords: Neurilemmoma, Neurinoma, Neurolemmoma, Schwann cell tumor, Schwannomatosis

Overview

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Maneesha Nandimandalam, M.B.B.S.[2]

Overview

Schwannoma may be classified according to pathology into 4 subtypes: conventional schwannoma, cellular schwannoma, plexiform schwannoma, and melanotic schwannoma. Based on location it is classified into intracranial schwannoma,Acoustic neuroma (most common),trigeminal schwannoma, facial nerve schwannoma. Schwannomas are composed of spindle cells which demonstrate two growth patterns Antoni type A and Antoni type B. Antoni type A patternin which elongated cells are densely packed and arranged in fascicles. Palisades are sometimes seen, when prominent these form verocay bodies. Antoni type B pattern cells are less compact and are prone to cystic degeneration. Schwannoma variants include ancient schwannoma, cellular schwannoma, melanotic schwannoma, plexiform schwannoma. The incidence vestibular schwannoma is approximately 1 per 100,000 individuals. People of all age groups may develop vestibular schwannoma. The incidence is more common between the 3rd and 5th decades of life. The median age at diagnosis is 5th decade.Symptoms of intracranial schwannoma include hearing loss, tinnitus, dysphagia, ataxia, Vertigo, Facial weakness, Dizziness, spinal schwannomas present with Back pain, Urinary incontinence, Urinary retention, Clumsiness, Weakness, Paresthesias. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for schwannoma. There are three main approaches like translybyrinthine, retrosigmoid, middle fossa. The common complications of surgery include vertigo, hearing loss is another important complication associated with the operation, post-operative headache, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, facial paralysis

Historical perspective

Classification

Schwannoma may be classified according to pathology into 4 subtypes: conventional schwannoma, cellular schwannoma, plexiform schwannoma, and melanotic schwannoma. Based on location it is classified into intracranial schwannoma,Acoustic neuroma (most common),trigeminal schwannoma, facial nerve schwannoma, jugular foramen schwannoma, hypoglossal schwannomas, spinal schwannoma, intercostal nerve schwannoma, intramuscular schwannoma, posterior mediastinum schwannoma, retroperitoneum schwannoma, intracerebral schwannoma.

Pathophysiology

Schwannomas may arise sporadically or in association with Neurofibromatosis type 2 as a result of mutations involving merlin protein. Loss of function of a tumor suppressor gene called merlin gene is noted commonly. Schwannomas are composed of spindle cells which demonstrate two growth patterns Antoni type A and Antoni type B. Antoni type A patternin which elongated cells are densely packed and arranged in fascicles. Palisades are sometimes seen, when prominent these form verocay bodies. Antoni type B pattern cells are less compact and are prone to cystic degeneration. Schwannoma variants include ancient schwannoma, cellular schwannoma, melanotic schwannoma, plexiform schwannoma. Immunohistochemistry positive for S100, collagen IV, CD34, neurofilament protein, podoplanin, calretinin, Sox10. Associated conditions include neurofibromatosis type 2, schwannomatosis, carney’s complex.

Causes

Epidemiology and Demographics

The incidence vestibular schwannoma is approximately 1 per 100,000 individuals. People of all age groups may develop vestibular schwannoma. The incidence is more common between the 3rd and 5th decades of life. The median age at diagnosis is 5th decade. The incidence seems to be higher in Asian population and lower in Hispanics and African-Americans. Vestibular schwannoma affects men and women equally with a slight predilection towards female population.

Risk Factors

Screening

Differentiating Schwannoma from other Diseases

On the basis of seizure, visual disturbance, and constitutional symptoms, schwannoma must be differentiated from oligodendroglioma, meningioma, hemangioblastoma, pituitary adenoma, astrocytoma, primary CNS lymphoma, medulloblastoma, ependymoma, craniopharyngioma, pinealoma, AV malformation, brain aneurysm, bacterial brain abscess, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, hydatid cyst, CNS cryptococcosis, CNS aspergillosis, and brain metastasis.

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms

Symptoms of intracranial schwannoma include hearing loss, tinnitus, dysphagia, ataxia, Vertigo, Facial weakness, Dizziness, spinal schwannomas present with Back pain, Urinary incontinence, Urinary retention, Clumsiness, Weakness, Paresthesias

Physical Examination

X-Ray

There are no X-ray findings associated with schwannoma.

CT

CT findings of schwannoma include low to intermediate attenuation, intense contrast enhancement, small tumors typically demonstrate homogeneous enhancement and larger tumors may show heterogeneous enhancement, adjacent bone remodelling with smooth corticated edges

MRI

Schwannomas appear on T1 as isointense or hypointense, T1 C+ (Gd) intense enhancement,T2- heterogeneously hyperintense (Antoni A: relatively low, Antoni B: high), cystic degenerative areas may be present, especially in larger tumors, T2- larger tumors often have areas of hemosiderin. Signs can also be useful in diagnosing such as split-fat sign: thin peripheral rim of fat best seen on planes along long axis of the lesion in non-fat-suppressed sequences, target sign: peripheral high T2 signal, central low signal rarely seen intracranially, fascicular sign: multiple small ring-like structures.

Ultrasound

Other Imaging Findings

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Surgery

The feasibility of surgery depends on the stage of schwannoma at diagnosis. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for schwannoma. There are three main approaches like translybyrinthine, retrosigmoid, middle fossa. The common complications of surgery include vertigo, hearing loss is another important complication associated with the operation, post-operative headache, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, facial paralysis

Primary Prevention

There are no primary preventive methods available for schwannoma.

Secondary Prevention

References

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Historical Perspective

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Maneesha Nandimandalam, M.B.B.S.[2]

Overview

Historical Perspective

Discovery

  • There is limited information about the historical perspective of [disease name].

OR

  • [Disease name] was first discovered by [name of scientist], a [nationality + occupation], in [year]/during/following [event].
  • The association between [important risk factor/cause] and [disease name] was made in/during [year/event].
  • In [year], [scientist] was the first to discover the association between [risk factor] and the development of [disease name].
  • In [year], [gene] mutations were first implicated in the pathogenesis of [disease name].

Landmark Events in the Development of Treatment Strategies

Impact on Cultural History

Famous Cases

The following are a few famous cases of [disease name]:

References

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Classification

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Shanshan Cen, M.D. [2]

Overview

    classification

    Schwannoma may be classified according to pathology into 4 subtypes: conventional schwannoma, cellular schwannoma, plexiform schwannoma, and melanotic schwannoma.

    Classification
    Pathology
    • Conventional schwannoma
    • Cellular schwannoma
    • Plexiform schwannoma
    • Melanotic schwannoma
    Location
    • Intracranial schwannoma:
    • Acoustic neuroma (most common)
    • Trigeminal schwannoma
    • Facial nerve schwannoma
    • Jugular foramen schwannoma
    • Hypoglossal schwannomas
    • Spinal schwannoma
    • Intercostal nerve schwannoma
    • Intramuscular schwannoma
    • Posterior mediastinum schwannoma
    • Retroperitoneum schwannoma
    • Intracerebral schwannoma

    References

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    Pathophysiology


    Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:  ; Maneesha Nandimandalam, M.B.B.S.[2]

    Overview

    Schwannomas may arise sporadically or in association with Neurofibromatosis type 2 as a result of mutations involving merlin protein. Loss of function of a tumor suppressor gene called merlin gene is noted commonly. Schwannomas are composed of spindle cells which demonstrate two growth patterns Antoni type A and Antoni type B. Antoni type A pattern in which elongated cells are densely packed and arranged in fascicles. Palisades are sometimes seen, when prominent these form verocay bodies. Antoni type B pattern cells are less compact and are prone to cystic degeneration. Schwannoma variants include ancient schwannoma, cellular schwannoma, melanotic schwannoma, plexiform schwannoma. Immunohistochemistry positive for S100, collagen IV, CD34, neurofilament protein, podoplanin, calretinin, Sox10. Associated conditions include neurofibromatosis type 2, schwannomatosis, carney’s complex.

    Pathophysiology

    Pathogenesis

    • Unilateral schwannomas are usually sporadic. [1]
    • Bilateral schwannomas are associated with Neurofibromatosis type 2.
    • Neoplastic proliferation of schwann cell differentiation leading to tumor cells growing diffusely within and along the nerves affecting the neural elements. [2]
    • Those associated with Neurofibromatosis type 2 are due to deletion of NF2 locus (22q12.2) which encodes a tumor suppressor protein, merlin (schwannomin).
    • Loss of merlin expression affects the cell cycle and mitogenic signal pathways.

    Genetics

    • Loss of function of a tumor suppressor gene called merlin gene, either by:
    1. Direct genetic change involving the NF2 gene on chromosome 22 [3]
    2. Secondarily to merlin inactivation

    Associated Conditions

    • Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2)[4]
    • Schwannomatosis
    • Carney’s complex

    Gross and Microscopic Pathology

    Microscopic appearance

    • Conventional schwannomas are composed of spindle cells which demonstrate two growth patterns: Antoni type A and Antoni type B.[5][6][7]
    • Antoni type A pattern: elongated cells are densely packed and arranged in fascicles. Palisades are sometimes seen; when prominent these form Verocay bodies.
    • Antoni type B pattern cells are less compact and are prone to cystic degeneration.
    Microscopic images of the ancient schwannoma: spindle cells arranged in short fascicles with focal vague Verocay bodies (haematoxylin and eosin [H&E] stain, 100x magnification) (top left), schwannoma with focal collection of haemosiderin laden macrophages (H&E stain, 100x magnification) (top right), cholesterol clefts in ancient schwannoma (H&E stain, 100x magnification) (bottom left) and spindle cells immunoreactive for S100 protein (nuclear positivity) (indirect immunoperoxidase staining, 100x magnification) (bottom right),Sayed SI, Rane P, Deshmukh A, et al. Ancient schwannoma of the parapharynx causing dysphagia: a rare entity. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2012;94(7):e217–e220. doi:10.1308/003588412X13373405385737,https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3954264/
    Variants

    Schwannoma variants include:

    • ancient schwannoma
    • cellular schwannoma
      • predominantly composed of Antoni A tissue
      • no Verocay bodies
      • most commonly found in a paravertebral location, or trigeminal nerves (CN V)
    • melanotic schwannoma: dense melanin pigment
    • plexiform schwannoma[8]
      • usually arise from skin or subcutaneous tissues
      • usually diagnosed at birth or childhood
      • usually sporadic, but rarely associated with NF2
      • should not be confused with plexiform neurofibromas
        • associated with NF1
        • may undergo malignant change

    Immunohistochemistry

    Positive for[9][10] :

    • S100
    • Collagen IV
    • CD34
    • Neurofilament protein
    • Podoplanin
    • Calretinin
    • Sox10

    Negative for:

    • EMA

    References

    1. Hadfield KD, Smith MJ, Urquhart JE, Wallace AJ, Bowers NL, King AT, Rutherford SA, Trump D, Newman WG, Evans DG (November 2010). “Rates of loss of heterozygosity and mitotic recombination in NF2 schwannomas, sporadic vestibular schwannomas and schwannomatosis schwannomas”. Oncogene. 29 (47): 6216–21. doi:10.1038/onc.2010.363. PMID 20729918.
    2. Fisher ER, Vuzevski VD (February 1968). “Cytogenesis of schwannoma (neurilemoma), neurofibroma, dermatofibroma, and dermatofibrosarcoma as revealed by electron microscopy”. Am. J. Clin. Pathol. 49 (2): 141–54. doi:10.1093/ajcp/49.2.141. PMID 5639539.
    3. Hadfield KD, Smith MJ, Urquhart JE, Wallace AJ, Bowers NL, King AT, Rutherford SA, Trump D, Newman WG, Evans DG (November 2010). “Rates of loss of heterozygosity and mitotic recombination in NF2 schwannomas, sporadic vestibular schwannomas and schwannomatosis schwannomas”. Oncogene. 29 (47): 6216–21. doi:10.1038/onc.2010.363. PMID 20729918.
    4. Hilton DA, Hanemann CO (April 2014). “Schwannomas and their pathogenesis”. Brain Pathol. 24 (3): 205–20. doi:10.1111/bpa.12125. PMID 24450866.
    5. Doddrell RD, Dun XP, Shivane A, Feltri ML, Wrabetz L, Wegner M; et al. (2013). “Loss of SOX10 function contributes to the phenotype of human Merlin-null schwannoma cells”. Brain. 136 (Pt 2): 549–63. doi:10.1093/brain/aws353. PMC 3572932. PMID 23413263.
    6. Sayed SI, Rane P, Deshmukh A, Chaukar D, Menon S, Arya S; et al. (2012). “Ancient schwannoma of the parapharynx causing dysphagia: a rare entity”. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 94 (7): e217–20. doi:10.1308/003588412X13373405385737. PMC 3954264. PMID 23031754.
    7. Giovannini M, Bonne NX, Vitte J, Chareyre F, Tanaka K, Adams R; et al. (2014). “mTORC1 inhibition delays growth of neurofibromatosis type 2 schwannoma”. Neuro Oncol. 16 (4): 493–504. doi:10.1093/neuonc/not242. PMC 3956353. PMID 24414536.
    8. Tchernev G, Chokoeva AA, Patterson JW, Bakardzhiev I, Wollina U, Tana C (February 2016). “Plexiform Neurofibroma: A Case Report”. Medicine (Baltimore). 95 (6): e2663. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000002663. PMC 4753888. PMID 26871793.
    9. Rodriguez FJ, Folpe AL, Giannini C, Perry A (March 2012). “Pathology of peripheral nerve sheath tumors: diagnostic overview and update on selected diagnostic problems”. Acta Neuropathol. 123 (3): 295–319. doi:10.1007/s00401-012-0954-z. PMC 3629555. PMID 22327363.
    10. Shintaku M (September 2011). “Immunohistochemical localization of autophagosomal membrane-associated protein LC3 in granular cell tumor and schwannoma”. Virchows Arch. 459 (3): 315–9. doi:10.1007/s00428-011-1104-z. PMC 3162629. PMID 21674156.

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    Causes

    Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Maneesha Nandimandalam, M.B.B.S.[2]

    Overview

    Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [3]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:  ; Maneesha Nandimandalam, M.B.B.S.[4]

    Overview

    The cause of schwannoma has not been identified.

    Causes

    Life-threatening Causes

    • There are no life-threatening causes for schwannoma.

    Common Causes

    • Mutations involving merlin protein.

      Genetic Causes

      • Loss of function of a tumor suppressor gene called merlin gene

      References

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      References


      Template:WikiDoc Sources

      Differentiating Schwannoma from other Diseases

      Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Fahimeh Shojaei, M.D.

      Overview

      On the basis of seizure, visual disturbance, and constitutional symptoms, schwannoma must be differentiated from oligodendroglioma, meningioma, hemangioblastoma, pituitary adenoma, astrocytoma, primary CNS lymphoma, medulloblastoma, ependymoma, craniopharyngioma, pinealoma, AV malformation, brain aneurysm, bacterial brain abscess, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, hydatid cyst, CNS cryptococcosis, CNS aspergillosis, and brain metastasis.

      Differentiating schwannoma from other Diseases

      Differentiating schwannoma from other diseases on the basis of seizure, visual disturbance, and constitutional symptoms

      On the basis of seizure, visual disturbance, and constitutional symptoms, schwannoma must be differentiated from oligodendroglioma, meningioma, hemangioblastoma, pituitary adenoma, astrocytoma, primary CNS lymphoma, medulloblastoma, ependymoma, craniopharyngioma, pinealoma, AV malformation, brain aneurysm, bacterial brain abscess, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, hydatid cyst, CNS cryptococcosis, CNS aspergillosis, and brain metastasis.

      Diseases Clinical manifestations Para-clinical findings Gold
      standard
      Additional findings
      Symptoms Physical examination
      Lab Findings MRI Immunohistopathology
      Head-
      ache
      Seizure Visual disturbance Constitutional Focal neurological deficit
      Adult primary brain tumors
      Schwannoma
      [1][2][3][4]
      +
      • Split-fat sign
      • Fascicular sign
      • Often have areas of hemosiderin
      • S100+
      Glioblastoma multiforme
      [5][6][7]
      + +/− +/− +
      • Pseudopalisading appearance
      Oligodendroglioma
      [8][9][10]
      + + +/− +
      • Chicken wire capillary pattern
      • Fried egg cell appearance
      Meningioma
      [11][12][13]
      + +/− +/− +
      • Well circumscribed
      • Extra-axial mass
      • Whorled spindle cell pattern
      • May be associated with NF-2
      Hemangioblastoma
      [14][15][16][17]
      + +/− +/− +
      Pituitary adenoma
      [18][19][7]
      + Bitemporal hemianopia
      • It is associated with MEN1 disease.
          Primary CNS lymphoma
          [20][21]
          + +/− +/− +
          • Single mass with ring enhancement
            Childhood primary brain tumors
            Pilocytic astrocytoma
            [22][23][24]
            + +/− +/− +
            Medulloblastoma
            [25][26][27]
            + +/− +/− +
            • Homer wright rosettes
            Ependymoma
            [28][7]
            + +/− +/− +
            • Hydrocephalus
            • Causes an unusually persistent, continuous headache in children.
            Craniopharyngioma
            [29][30][31][7]
            + +/− + Bitemporal hemianopia +
            Pinealoma
            [32][33][34]
            + +/− +/− + vertical gaze palsy
            • May cause prinaud syndrome (vertical gaze palsy, pupillary light-near dissociation, lid retraction and convergence-retraction nystagmus
            Vascular
            AV malformation
            [35][36][7]
            + + +/− +/−
            Brain aneurysm
            [37][38][39][40][41]
            + +/− +/− +/−
            • MRA and CTA
            Infectious
            Bacterial brain abscess
            [42][43]
            + +/− +/− + +
            • Central hypodense signal and surrounding ring-enhancement in T1
            • Central hyperintense area surrounded by a well-defined hypointense capsule with surrounding edema in T2
            • History/ imaging
            Tuberculosis
            [44][7][45]
            + +/− +/− + +
            • Lab data/ Imaging
            Toxoplasmosis
            [46][47]
            + +/− +/− +
            • History/ imaging
            Hydatid cyst
            [48][7]
            + +/− +/− +/− +
            • Imaging
            CNS cryptococcosis
            [49]
            + +/− +/− + +
            • We may see numerous acutely branching septate hyphae
            • Lab data/ Imaging
            CNS aspergillosis
            [50]
            + +/− +/− + +
            • Multiple abscesses
            • Ring enhancement
            • Peripheral low signal intensity on T2
            • We may see numerous acutely branching septate hyphae
            • Lab data/ Imaging
            Other
            Brain metastasis
            [51][7]
            + +/− +/− + +
            • Based on the primary cancer type we may have different immunohistopathology findings.
            • History/ imaging

            ABBREVIATIONS

            CNS=Central nervous system, AV=Arteriovenous, CSF=Cerebrospinal fluid, NF-2=Neurofibromatosis type 2, MEN-1=Multiple endocrine neoplasia, GFAP=Glial fibrillary acidic protein, HIV=Human immunodeficiency virus, BhCG=Human chorionic gonadotropin, ESR=Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, AFB=Acid fast bacilli, MRA=Magnetic resonance angiography, CTA=CT angiography

            References

            1. Donnelly, Martin J.; Daly, Carmel A.; Briggs, Robert J. S. (2007). “MR imaging features of an intracochlear acoustic schwannoma”. The Journal of Laryngology & Otology. 108 (12). doi:10.1017/S0022215100129056. ISSN 0022-2151.
            2. Feany MB, Anthony DC, Fletcher CD (May 1998). “Nerve sheath tumours with hybrid features of neurofibroma and schwannoma: a conceptual challenge”. Histopathology. 32 (5): 405–10. PMID 9639114.
            3. Chen H, Xue L, Wang H, Wang Z, Wu H (July 2017). “Differential NF2 Gene Status in Sporadic Vestibular Schwannomas and its Prognostic Impact on Tumour Growth Patterns”. Sci Rep. 7 (1): 5470. doi:10.1038/s41598-017-05769-0. PMID 28710469.
            4. Hardell, Lennart; Hansson Mild, Kjell; Sandström, Monica; Carlberg, Michael; Hallquist, Arne; Påhlson, Anneli (2003). “Vestibular Schwannoma, Tinnitus and Cellular Telephones”. Neuroepidemiology. 22 (2): 124–129. doi:10.1159/000068745. ISSN 0251-5350.
            5. Sathornsumetee S, Rich JN, Reardon DA (November 2007). “Diagnosis and treatment of high-grade astrocytoma”. Neurol Clin. 25 (4): 1111–39, x. doi:10.1016/j.ncl.2007.07.004. PMID 17964028.
            6. Pedersen CL, Romner B (January 2013). “Current treatment of low grade astrocytoma: a review”. Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 115 (1): 1–8. doi:10.1016/j.clineuro.2012.07.002. PMID 22819718.
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            8. Smits M (2016). “Imaging of oligodendroglioma”. Br J Radiol. 89 (1060): 20150857. doi:10.1259/bjr.20150857. PMC 4846213. PMID 26849038.
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            10. Kerkhof M, Benit C, Duran-Pena A, Vecht CJ (2015). “Seizures in oligodendroglial tumors”. CNS Oncol. 4 (5): 347–56. doi:10.2217/cns.15.29. PMC 6082346. PMID 26478444.
            11. Zee CS, Chin T, Segall HD, Destian S, Ahmadi J (June 1992). “Magnetic resonance imaging of meningiomas”. Semin. Ultrasound CT MR. 13 (3): 154–69. PMID 1642904.
            12. Shibuya M (2015). “Pathology and molecular genetics of meningioma: recent advances”. Neurol. Med. Chir. (Tokyo). 55 (1): 14–27. doi:10.2176/nmc.ra.2014-0233. PMID 25744347.
            13. Begnami MD, Palau M, Rushing EJ, Santi M, Quezado M (September 2007). “Evaluation of NF2 gene deletion in sporadic schwannomas, meningiomas, and ependymomas by chromogenic in situ hybridization”. Hum. Pathol. 38 (9): 1345–50. doi:10.1016/j.humpath.2007.01.027. PMC 2094208. PMID 17509660.
            14. Lonser RR, Butman JA, Huntoon K, Asthagiri AR, Wu T, Bakhtian KD, Chew EY, Zhuang Z, Linehan WM, Oldfield EH (May 2014). “Prospective natural history study of central nervous system hemangioblastomas in von Hippel-Lindau disease”. J. Neurosurg. 120 (5): 1055–62. doi:10.3171/2014.1.JNS131431. PMC 4762041. PMID 24579662.
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            21. Paulus, Werner (1999). “Classification, Pathogenesis and Molecular Pathology of Primary CNS Lymphomas”. Journal of Neuro-Oncology. 43 (3): 203–208. doi:10.1023/A:1006242116122. ISSN 0167-594X.
            22. Sathornsumetee S, Rich JN, Reardon DA (November 2007). “Diagnosis and treatment of high-grade astrocytoma”. Neurol Clin. 25 (4): 1111–39, x. doi:10.1016/j.ncl.2007.07.004. PMID 17964028.
            23. Pedersen CL, Romner B (January 2013). “Current treatment of low grade astrocytoma: a review”. Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 115 (1): 1–8. doi:10.1016/j.clineuro.2012.07.002. PMID 22819718.
            24. Mattle, Heinrich (2017). Fundamentals of neurology : an illustrated guide. Stuttgart New York: Thieme. ISBN 9783131364524.
            25. Dorwart, R H; Wara, W M; Norman, D; Levin, V A (1981). “Complete myelographic evaluation of spinal metastases from medulloblastoma”. Radiology. 139 (2): 403–408. doi:10.1148/radiology.139.2.7220886. ISSN 0033-8419.
            26. Fruehwald-Pallamar, Julia; Puchner, Stefan B.; Rossi, Andrea; Garre, Maria L.; Cama, Armando; Koelblinger, Claus; Osborn, Anne G.; Thurnher, Majda M. (2011). “Magnetic resonance imaging spectrum of medulloblastoma”. Neuroradiology. 53 (6): 387–396. doi:10.1007/s00234-010-0829-8. ISSN 0028-3940.
            27. Burger, P. C.; Grahmann, F. C.; Bliestle, A.; Kleihues, P. (1987). “Differentiation in the medulloblastoma”. Acta Neuropathologica. 73 (2): 115–123. doi:10.1007/BF00693776. ISSN 0001-6322.
            28. Yuh, E. L.; Barkovich, A. J.; Gupta, N. (2009). “Imaging of ependymomas: MRI and CT”. Child’s Nervous System. 25 (10): 1203–1213. doi:10.1007/s00381-009-0878-7. ISSN 0256-7040.
            29. Brunel H, Raybaud C, Peretti-Viton P, Lena G, Girard N, Paz-Paredes A, Levrier O, Farnarier P, Manera L, Choux M (September 2002). “[Craniopharyngioma in children: MRI study of 43 cases]”. Neurochirurgie (in French). 48 (4): 309–18. PMID 12407316.
            30. Prabhu, Vikram C.; Brown, Henry G. (2005). “The pathogenesis of craniopharyngiomas”. Child’s Nervous System. 21 (8–9): 622–627. doi:10.1007/s00381-005-1190-9. ISSN 0256-7040.
            31. Kennedy HB, Smith RJ (December 1975). “Eye signs in craniopharyngioma”. Br J Ophthalmol. 59 (12): 689–95. PMC 1017436. PMID 766825.
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            37. Chapman, Arlene B.; Rubinstein, David; Hughes, Richard; Stears, John C.; Earnest, Michael P.; Johnson, Ann M.; Gabow, Patricia A.; Kaehny, William D. (1992). “Intracranial Aneurysms in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease”. New England Journal of Medicine. 327 (13): 916–920. doi:10.1056/NEJM199209243271303. ISSN 0028-4793.
            38. Castori M, Voermans NC (October 2014). “Neurological manifestations of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome(s): A review”. Iran J Neurol. 13 (4): 190–208. PMC 4300794. PMID 25632331.
            39. Schievink, W. I.; Raissi, S. S.; Maya, M. M.; Velebir, A. (2010). “Screening for intracranial aneurysms in patients with bicuspid aortic valve”. Neurology. 74 (18): 1430–1433. doi:10.1212/WNL.0b013e3181dc1acf. ISSN 0028-3878.
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            Epidemiology and Demographics

            Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Maneesha Nandimandalam, M.B.B.S.[2]

            Overview

            The incidence vestibular schwannoma is approximately 1 per 100,000 individuals. People of all age groups may develop vestibular schwannoma. The incidence is more common between the 3rd and 5th decades of life. The median age at diagnosis is 5th decade. The incidence seems to be higher in Asian population and lower in Hispanics and African-Americans. Vestibular schwannoma affects men and women equally with a slight predilection towards female population.

            Epidemiology and demographics

            Incidence

            • The incidence vestibular schwannoma is approximately 1 per 100,000 individuals.

            Age

            • Patients of all age groups may develop vestibular schwannoma.
            • The incidence is more common between the 3rd and 5th decades of life.
            • The median age at diagnosis is 5th decade.[1]

            Race

            • The incidence seems to be higher in Asian population and lower in Hispanics and African-Americans.[2]

            Gender

            • Vestibular schwannoma affects men and women equally with a slight predilection towards female population. [3]


            References

            1. Propp JM, McCarthy BJ, Davis FG, Preston-Martin S (January 2006). “Descriptive epidemiology of vestibular schwannomas”. Neuro-oncology. 8 (1): 1–11. doi:10.1215/S1522851704001097. PMC 1871924. PMID 16443943.
            2. Koo M, Lai JT, Yang EY, Liu TC, Hwang JH (October 2018). “Incidence of Vestibular Schwannoma in Taiwan from 2001 to 2012: A Population-Based National Health Insurance Study”. Ann. Otol. Rhinol. Laryngol. 127 (10): 694–697. doi:10.1177/0003489418788385. PMID 30032646.
            3. Brown CM, Ahmad ZK, Ryan AF, Doherty JK (January 2011). “Estrogen receptor expression in sporadic vestibular schwannomas”. Otol. Neurotol. 32 (1): 158–62. doi:10.1097/MAO.0b013e3181feb92a. PMC 3073320. PMID 21099731.



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            Risk Factors


            Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:  ; Maneesha Nandimandalam, M.B.B.S.[2]

            Overview

            Common risk factors in the development of schwannoma are related to occupational, environmental, and genetic factors such as exposure to loud noise or cranial imaging, history of head injury or epilepsy or alcohol use.

            Risk Factors

            Common Risk Factors

            • Common risk factors in the development of schwannoma include:
              • Loud noise exposure [1]
              • Chicken pox [2]
              • Hay fever [3]
              • Cranial imaging
              • Epilepsy

            Less Common Risk Factors

            • Less common risk factors in the development of schwannoma include:
              • Head injury
              • Alcohol
              • Cancer

            References

            1. Chen M, Fan Z, Zheng X, Cao F, Wang L (May 2016). “Risk Factors of Acoustic Neuroma: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”. Yonsei Med. J. 57 (3): 776–83. doi:10.3349/ymj.2016.57.3.776. PMC 4800371. PMID 26996581.
            2. Corona AP, Ferrite S, Lopes Mda S, Rêgo MA (April 2012). “Risk factors associated with vestibular nerve schwannomas”. Otol. Neurotol. 33 (3): 459–65. doi:10.1097/MAO.0b013e3182487fee. PMID 22377646.
            3. Berkowitz O, Iyer AK, Kano H, Talbott EO, Lunsford LD (December 2015). “Epidemiology and Environmental Risk Factors Associated with Vestibular Schwannoma”. World Neurosurg. 84 (6): 1674–80. doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2015.07.007. PMID 26171891.

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            Screening

            Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Maneesha Nandimandalam, M.B.B.S.[2]

            Overview

            There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for schwannoma.

            Screening

            There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for schwannoma.

            References

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            Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

            Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Maneesha Nandimandalam, M.B.B.S.[2]

            Natural history

            More than half of all VS grow at an average of 2–4 mm/year, whereas less than 10% regress27. One study revealed that extrameatal tumors (28.9%) were more likely to grow compared to intrameatal tumors (17%) and a larger percentage of tumors grew early on after detection28. VS >2 cm are more likely to grow compared to smaller VS29–30. Growth rates of >2 mm/year are associated with decreased rates of hearing preservation compared to slower growth rates31

            Clinical presentation

            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. [1]

            Symptoms of schwannoma depend on the location of the tumor.

            • Intracranial schwannoma:
            • Trigeminal schwannoma
            • Facial nerve schwannoma
            • Jugular foramen schwannoma
            • Hypoglossal schwannomas
            • Spinal schwannoma
            • Intercostal nerve schwannoma
            • Usually asymptomatic
            • Intramuscular schwannoma

            Complications

            Besides the complications that are directly produced the schwannoma itself due to it mass affect, there are many other complications that may arise post-surgical or post-radiation therapy depending on the anatomic location of the tumor. [2]

            Surgical complications:

            • Peri-operative hemorrhage
            • CSF leaks
            • Infections

            Prognosis

            • Schwannomas are slow growing tumors.
            • The rate of recurrence after resection is extremely low. [3]
            • They almost never turn malignant.

            References

            1. Matthies C, Samii M (January 1997). “Management of 1000 vestibular schwannomas (acoustic neuromas): clinical presentation”. Neurosurgery. 40 (1): 1–9, discussion 9–10. doi:10.1097/00006123-199701000-00001. PMID 8971818.
            2. Yashar P, Zada G, Harris B, Giannotta SL (September 2012). “Extent of resection and early postoperative outcomes following removal of cystic vestibular schwannomas: surgical experience over a decade and review of the literature”. Neurosurg Focus. 33 (3): E13. doi:10.3171/2012.7.FOCUS12206. PMID 22937847.
            3. Senapati SB, Mishra SS, Dhir MK, Patnaik A, Panigrahi S (2016). “Recurrence of spinal schwannoma: Is it preventable?”. Asian J Neurosurg. 11 (4): 451. doi:10.4103/1793-5482.145060. PMC 4974985. PMID 27695564.


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            Diagnosis

            Diagnosis

            Diagnostic study of choice | History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | Electrocardiogram | X-Ray Findings | Echocardiography and Ultrasound | CT-Scan Findings | MRI Findings | Other Imaging Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies

            Treatment

            Treatment

            Medical Therapy | [Schwannoma interventions|Interventions]] | Surgery | Primary Prevention | Secondary Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies

            Case Studies

            Case Studies

            Case #1



            Case Studies

            Case Studies

            Case #1

            Related Chapters

            Template:Nervous tissue tumors


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