Questions posted in the Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Question Title: Schwanoma Tumors

Forum: Neurology Forum
Topic: Thoracic


I have been diagnosed with two schwanoma tumors in areas T-3 and T-7 near
my spine. Seven years ago I had one removed from approximatley the same
area and was told that they seldom reoccur. I can find very little
on this type of tumor so my questions are. How fast growing are these
tumors and how much harm can they cause considering where they are. Our
doctor has chosen to wait a year before doing another MRI to check their
growth. Thank You

Dear Judyp:

Sorry to hear of your schwannomas. These are for the most part benign tumors, that grow very slowly. I would agree with your doctor and just follow them by periodic MRI and physical exam. At the levels that you have the schwannoma the majority of the effects would be sensation (most likely) to your trunk area. It is rare that these tumors would become malignant. Best of luck.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS



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