Schwannoma

Schwannoma is a benign tumor that develops from Schwann cells of peripheral nerves. Schwannoma is also called neurofibroma or neuroma.

Schwannomas are usually solitary, slow-growing, painless tumors. They most often occur on the facial nerve and can also affect other cranial nerves, spinal nerves, and limb nerves. Schwannomas can be located superficially or within the nerve.

Histologically, schwannomas consist of spindle cells surrounded by an abundant network of collagen fibers. For diagnosis, MRI, ultrasound, and biopsy are used. Treatment includes surgical removal. If removal is not possible, dynamic monitoring is carried out. The prognosis is favorable, relapses are rare.