Schwannoma

A schwannoma (synonym: neurinoma, Benign Peripheral nerve sheath tumor BPNST ) is a benign and usually slow-growing tumor of the peripheral nervous system, originating from the Schwann cells, whose task is the wrapping of nerve fibers. With increasing growth may lead to pain and paralysis of the affected nerve. Acoustic neuromas, known as the cerebellopontine angle tumor, is an example of a schwannoma. A context of type 1 neurofibromatosis does not exist.

Treatment consists of surgical removal (resection ) or radiation. This is followed by a histopathological examination of the surgical specimen under the light microscope ( histology). If a schwannoma in the hearing or balance nerve on, one speaks of an acoustic neuroma (actually a vestibular schwannoma ). This occurs frequently and often on both sides in neurofibromatosis type 2.