Schwannomas are an uncommon type of peripheral nervous system tumor that can affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves elsewhere in the body. Also called neurilemmomas or neuromas, schwannomas are tumors of the nerve coverings that start in special types of cells called Schwann cells. These cells grow the protective myelin covering that protects peripheral nerves, which carry messages from the brain to the rest of the body.
Schwannomas can be found in the brain, especially in the inner ear. These are called vestibular schwannomas (acoustic neuromas). These tumors can affect your balance and make walking difficult. Even though schwannomas are almost always slow-growing and benign tumors, they can grow large enough to press against your spinal cord and nerves, causing pain.
Unlike cancer, peripheral nervous system tumors are assessed by grades, not stages. Almost all schwannomas are grade 1, or low-grade tumors. They are highly likely to be successfully treated with surgery and not recur. In very rare cases, schwannomas can become malignant.
Accessing the variety of specialists needed for spine care can be complicated. The UK HealthCare Spine Center makes it simple by bringing together a team of all the specialists you may need. Within one program, you have access to all our specialties:
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation
- Interventional pain medicine
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Neurosurgery
We also collaborate closely with the experts at UK Markey Cancer Center. You will be evaluated at your initial appointment to determine the best treatment path for your specific needs.
You can have a schwannoma for years with no symptoms. You or someone else may feel a lump in your back. When pressed, the soft tissue may have no pain or it may feel tender. Other common symptoms include:
- Bowel or bladder problems
- Limited range of motion
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness
- Shooting back or neck pain
- Tingling (pins and needles)
Most schwannomas have no known cause. Most schwannomas are equally common in men and women; however, spinal schwannomas are more common in men. Risk factors that may increase your chance of developing a schwannoma include being Caucasian and having a genetic condition known as neurofibromatosis type 2.
Neurofibromatosis type 2 frequently causes several types of tumors of the peripheral nervous system. Bilateral vestibular schwannomas are far more common in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2, but spinal schwannomas are also possible.
Your journey to better spine health begins at home. Before you visit UK HealthCare for spine pain, we review your medical records. We may contact you with follow-up questions. We then discuss your case as a team. Based on these conversations, we determine which specialists will best meet your needs.
Next, we schedule your appointment. To provide you with the best care possible, you may need to meet with multiple providers. This helps us meet all your care needs in a timely manner.
During your first visit, we answer questions and provide information to help you better understand your condition. We also work to find out what is causing your symptoms and develop a treatment plan.
In most cases, we start with non-surgical treatment, such as lifestyle changes and physical therapy. Spine issues that don’t improve with this approach may require other treatment, including pain management and surgical intervention.
When coming to your first appointment, plan to do the following:
- Arrive early. You may need to fill out paperwork when you arrive. Getting to your appointment early gives you time to complete paperwork without feeling rushed.
- Bring a current list of medicines or supplements you take. You should also list any surgeries you’ve had, symptoms you’ve experienced and other past health issues.
- Dress comfortably. Working toward a diagnosis takes time. Comfortable clothes help you stay relaxed and attentive throughout your visit. They also make it easier to perform your physical exam.
- Eat and drink as directed. You may need to have imaging or other tests during your first visit. If you need to adjust your eating, drinking or medicines before a test, a team member will call to explain what you need to do leading up to your visit.
- Have your insurance information on hand. UK HealthCare accepts most insurers, and financial assistance is available.
- Bring a family member or friend with you. This person can help take notes and ask questions you may not think of asking.
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