Case of the Week
Section Editors: Matylda Machnowska1 and Anvita Pauranik2
1University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2BC Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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October 19, 2009
Giant Invasive Schwannoma
- Schwannomas are tumors arising from the nerve sheath predominantly during the 4th decade of life.
- Giant invasive schwannomas are defined as lesions that "wear away" the vertebral bodies then extend into myofascial planes.
- These tumors gradually increase in size with diagnosis occurring within 2 years of onset of tumor.
- On MRI, these tumors can be seen extending laterally on one side and pushing the spinal cord contralaterally.
- Total excision of the tumor is curative but is usually not possible due to extensive invasion of the nerve roots. Therefore, multiple surgeries are required to fully remove the tumor.
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