SCHWANNOMA

A schwannoma is a tumor of the tissue that covers the nerves, called the nerve sheath. This type of tumor, which is often benign or non-cancerous, develops from the Schwann cell, which gives it its name. Schwannoma can occur in any nerve in the body, although it often develops in nerves that have Schwann cells including cranial nerves, also along the nerves that are involved with flexing in the upper and lower extremities.

In most cases the cause of schwannoma is still unknown, but it is found to occur in people with certain genetic conditions such as neurofibromatosis.

Nerve function problems or pain caused by pressure on the surrounding nerve are the usual symptoms of Schwannoma. Compression of the spinal cord due to the presence of a Schwannoma in the spinal canal can send an electric-like shock when the affected area is pressed or felt and it can also lead to the following symptoms:

• Weakness
• Numbness
• Stiffness
• Trouble controlling urine or bowel
• Paralysis
• Pain down the legs
• Hearing Loss

Vestibular Schwannoma aka acoustic neuroma is one of the most common locations for schwannoma arising from the hearing and balance nerve can often be discovered when they are small but can often grow to be quite large. The most common symptoms include:

• Hearing Loss
• Vertigo/Balance problems
• Tinnitus

Initial treatment will involve Robert Louis, MD conducting thorough medical history and physical exam, including the patient’s symptoms and health history. To help diagnose and confirm the presence of schwannoma, special imaging will be requested such as MRI or CT scan.

For acoustic neuroma, an audiogram will need to be performed to test the patient's hearing functions as this will determine the different treatment options and whether hearing preservation is possible.

After diagnostic tests are done, Dr. Louis will review all of the results with you and describe the tumor location, size and the best treatment options.

Treatment of schwannoma is planned for each individual case and depends on the type, size, and location of the tumor.

Observation involves monitoring a small, slow-growing tumor with regular check-ups and MRI scans, and it is chosen to avoid the risks of more invasive treatments like surgery.

Retromastoid Approach is a minimally invasive keyhole approach that allows an endoscope to be threaded through an incision at the back of the ear to access the schwannoma. Robert Louis, MD specializes in minimally invasive removal of schwannoma that is proven to be safer and more effective. It incorporates Dr. Louis’ experience, education training, and use of cutting-edge technology and instrumentation.

Translabyrinthine Approach is a surgical technique for removing large vestibular schwannomas (acoustic neuromas) that is chosen when hearing preservation is not possible.

Middle Fossa Craniotomy Approach is a surgical method for treating small vestibular schwannomas, particularly when preserving hearing is a goal.

Gamma Knife Radiosurgery is a highly effective, non-invasive treatment for vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma), especially for small to medium-sized tumors, as it aims to stop or shrink the tumor without the need for traditional surgery.