10 mm L5-S1 Intradural Schwannoma

I first consulted a physician in April, 2007 after experiencing nightly sciatica pain that started in January, 2007. I have had three MRIs (4/12, 5/7, and 8/31) that show the Schwannoma has not increased in size since the first MRI on 4/12. Neither has the sciatica worsened in that time.

I understand from a neurosurgeon that the solution for this requires a laminectomy in order to penetrate the dura and excise the tumor. I've learned that this operation is very invasive and involves disturbing ligaments, muscles, and possible back instability after the operation.

From my research of recent medical literature I have learned of minimally invasive techniques to excise the tumor. Can you point me to clinics that are performing this type of surgery for intradural Schwannomas or let me know how I can do further research before I commit to surgery?

Jona

[ACatch]

Have you found out any information regarding your posting?  I currently have been diagnosised with a schwannoma at L4 overlapping to S1.  I have researced that Minimal invasive microsurgical tehcnique is:  minimal invasive bilateral laminectomy using a unilateral appraoach.  I too am looking for a place that preforms this procedure but to get this informaiton I have to schedule an appointment which reuqires sending over all my records (MRI's and primary doctor info.)  I have just started this process as of December 27.  Please let me know what you have found out.

[anoj]

I had the surgery on January 15 by Dr. Richard G. Fessler at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. He is world-renowned. "Google" him and you will find all kinds of information, including a bio.

I am now 9 days post-op with no pain (not since the first day) and have been walking up to 3 miles per day. My only restriction is to not lift more than 10 lbs. It appears this recovery with be remarkably easy. I do have some numbness in my right foot but no muscle weakness. The doctor says this will probably go away but, if not, it is only a small nuisance.

I sent my MRI by Fedex and he responded my e-mail that the operation was possible. I had my pre-op physical here in Virginia and only a blood typing done in Chicago the day before the surgery.

Is your tumor intradural?

Give me a call if you want to discuss: [phone]

Jona.

[dooker]

I have also had a schwammaona only on T7 it took 3yrs to be diagonsed at the age of 31 in 2007, like yourself I was left with numbness in my right foot and partically on my right side.  It is now 2009 and I am starting to get some feeling back in my right foot.  The doctor I had in Newcastle (England) I would go out of my way to thank he expected me to be using a walking aid for the rest of my life but within 4 months of my operations (2) I was walking unaided so there is hope if your determined enough to build your stenght up again!  I still experince a lot of numbness on my right hand side but this is a small price to pay for mobility, tthe hardest thing i find to combat is the pyschological aspect of it espcially after going undiagonsed for 3yrs, ake care and best of luck x

[redkitten76]

I was diagnosed last year with a left S-1 Schwannoma at 1.4cm and was not told about it right away. They found it during my regular yearly ultrasound for my OB-GYN, this one to look for a cyst that had been found on my left ovary. The family doctor called me to say I needed an MRI and when asked why they replied it had to do with my pelvic ultrasound and that was that.
After the MRI I was called in for the results, and did I ever get some surprises!!! My cyst was gone (thank you Doc and YAZ) but I had this tumour in my back. I was asymtomatic (no pain or restriction of movement) for months until one night when I did a movie marathon and went to stretch my back. Doing it all proper as I was taught to do, the pain still shot down my behind and leg, and now, starting a month ago, the pain has increased.
When I became symptomatic I had to go back for another MRI but found out there was no change in size, shape or composition. Now I figure I will be sent back for another MRI, only to be told the same thing. Here is the other mystery.
Since I found all this out, I have excellerated my weight loss and noone knows why. I also have an underactive thyroid and have had all my levels checked for that but all is good, no change there. I have now lost 90lbs. in one year. Makes no sense to me. The only doc who seems concerned is my eye doc and he says my eyes are fine...lol.

I am taking it all in stride. I figure that as the saying goes: The more you worry, the worse it gets. So I am not worrying...lol.

I hope you find an awesome place with an amazing doctor to work on you, that is the biggest hurdle we have with this. Our recovery depends on us and how determined we are to be mobile again. I plan on being very mobile. I am now despite the pain and I will be again even if I have to go for surgery (very anti-surgery). I do know that I live near London, Ontario, Canada and they have some awesome surgeons there. I also trust my family doctor to team up with a neurosurgeon I can trust, and he trusts my instincts. He will get me a second opinion if I am not confident.

Remember: You always have the right to a second opinion!!!

Take care and let us know how it goes!!!