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Difference Between Neuroma & Schwannoma

Neuroma and schwannoma are the same kind of benign tumor; the terms are merely different names for the same nonmalignant growth. Neuroma and Schwannoma are the technical labels given to slow-growing tumors that attach themselves to any nerve in the body. However, the tumors tend to target only the nerves in the head and neck as well as those in the upper and lower extremities.

  1. Significance

    • It is believed that the neuromas/schwannomas are caused by an overproduction of Schwann cells. These cells coat nerve fibers, helping to support and insulate them. Neuromas are considered slow growing; that is, nonaggressive. They are easily treated if discovered early, according to Children's Hospital Boston. Although, in the case of untreated inner ear (vestibular) schwannomas, deafness and facial paralysis can result, reports the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD).

    Surgery

    • Neuromas/schwannomas are easily removed from the nerve in surgery without any real concern for the nerve's continued function. With vestibular schwannomas/neuromas, however, surgery is more delicate as the sensory nerves can be damaged, reports the NIDCD.

    Cause and Discovery

    • Schwannoma's true cause is unknown. Patients with von Recklinghausen disease (neurofibromatosis) present with schwannomas. Patients with tumors that target nerves deep in the body will be less likely to discover their illness until the growth is quite large. When tumors affect nerves near the upper layers of the body, discovery is far easier, and pain will be an indicator of something wrong.

    Symptoms

    • The growing schwannoma can be either painful or completely pain free. Some patients feel a slight electric-like shock sensation when the area of the tumor is palpated. Often, neurological problems will not occur unless the tumor develops in the vicinity of a key motor or sensory nerve, as in the inner ear. The symptoms of this tumor can mirror those of other conditions. See your doctor if you have any concerns.

    Diagnosis

    • After a complete physical exam is conducted, your doctor will recommend a few specific tests. X-rays are used not to view the schwannomas themselves, which don't show up on X-ray film, but to see if bone tissue is involved. MRI, ultrasound and biopsy of the tumor are frequently performed as well. Once surgery is performed to remove the tumor, the patient is considered cured. Recurrence is highly unlikely, explains Children's Hospital Boston.

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