About the disease
spinal neurinoma, also known as spinal schwannoma, is a benign tumor of the protective sheathing that surrounds the nerve cells in the spine. This tumor develops in the Schwann cells, which are responsible for supporting neurons and sensory nerve endings. Schwann cells together create the myelin sheath, essential for the function of nerve cells. Schwann cells can develop in any part of the spinal canal. Although, schwannomas are non-cancerous, they put pressure on the spinal cord, causing pain. This condition needs to be treated to prevent spinal damage and avoid serious nerve damage in the future.
According to the Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center, this condition is most common in people aged between 30-60 years of age. It is believed that spinal neurinomas are most often caused by genetic factors. People who have had spinal cancer or other spinal diseases are most at risk.
Symptoms
- Pain in the back
- Sensation of electric shock when the damaged area is touched
- Atrophy of the limbs
- Paralysis in severe cases of spinal neurinoma
- Weakness
- Numbness
- Loss of bladder function
spinal neurinoma is one of the most common types of spinal tumor. According to Radiopaedia.org, spinal neurinomas account for 30% of all tumors of the spinal cord. Most often, spinal neurinoma develops in the lumbar or cervical region.
Diagnosis
- During a general examination, the doctor will examine your spine to find out which areas are the most painful and whether touch causes shooting pains, similar to an electric shock.
- An X-ray of the spine is the most common diagnostic method, used in the early stages of this disease.
- A CT scan and MRI imaging can determine whether there are any changes in the spinal canal. It can also produce highly-precise images, where even intrinsic vascular changes can be seen.
Treatment
- Surgical treatment of schwannomas usually includes resection, once the exact location of the schwannoma has been determined.
- Microsurgery is less invasive than open surgery and uses ultrasound and lasers to reach the schwannoma.
- Radiosurgery is the most modern type of treatment for spinal neurinomas. Doctors use Gamma and Cyberknife techniques to destroy the schwannoma with ionizing radiation. In order to resect the schwannoma, surgeons can also use proton beams, which have fewer side effects.
Following surgery, patients are usually able to retain the function of the spinal cord and pain is alleviated.
Authors: Dr. Vadim Zhiliuk, Dr. Sergey Pashchenko
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