Results of C-spine: possible schwannoma or neurofibroma?

[Juliewi]

My results are confusing.  I am not sure what they mean? Or how/if they would relate to MS?


C Spine MRI findings:  "Left side focus of abnormal signal on posterior scalenus muscle."  

Then he lists 4 possibilities:

Schwannoma (tumor that originates inside nerve sheath)
Neurofibroma (tumor that originates from the cells of the sheath)
Atypical lipoma (fatty tumor)
Hemangioma (mass of blood vessels).  

So would this rule out MS?  Or do these tumors that grow in or part of the nerve sheath still indicate possible MS involvement?  Would surgery be a possibility?  My neck and head MRA's were normal.

Thank you again for helping in this confusing time!  It is much appreciated.
Julie



Here is my earlier post that explains my symptoms and the 5mm lesion in my right temporal lobe.

My left arm and leg  went numb about a month ago. It lasted for a few days in which I had "brain fog" and some minor trouble finding words and mixing 2 words into one. Then the tingling subsided, I started several days of having tremors, shooting pains and twinges in my arms, legs and chest. After a few days it got better but I still have an internal tremor in my left ankle. So I went to my GP and she ordered a brain MRI.  They found a 5mm lesion on my right temporal lobe. They referred me to a neurologist who just ordered a cervical spine MRI and an MRA of head and neck.  The wait of course, feels like forever.

Just a few days ago, this whole process started over... numb on left side, brain fog and now the tremors.
Does anyone know what this could be or been thru something similar?  I'd really appreciate any feedback
Thank you!!!
Julie

[Quixotic1]

Julie, all of those things are benign, tumor-like masses in the muscle that runs close to the spine.  They have nothing to do with MS, nor would I think, with any of your symptoms.  It is what is called an incidental finding.

I also do not think that the brain lesion is causing your symptoms.  Remember that the MRI is an imperfect tool.  It certainly does NOT show all that is going on in the brain and spinal cord, even though some neuros worship it (the MRI) like it was a god.  

We have all had to wait for the neuro visit that we hope will give us real info.  I agree, the waiting is hard.  Hang around here and talk with us.

Quix

[juliewi12]

Thank you!
My neuro is a 2 week wait.  I was read the results by the nurse. The MRI center was already calling for my next MRI before I had even heard that something was wrong.  

No hearing loss and the initial brain MRI (5mm lesion) was done with contrast.  I thought the C spine should have been also, but I am not so sure.  I'll check into that.

I wonder if my sypmtoms would be related to my brain lesion or this benign tumor in my neck?

Oh the joys of waiting....just hope they don't look anywhere else.  I have enough to deal with now.  LOL!

[Nancy T]

Hi Julie. Hopefully your neurologist will be able to give you an explanation for your symptoms. Those tumors (and I think they are all benign, as far as I know) are not related to MS (although it's possible to have cervical MS lesions that do not appear on the MRI; they can be very hard to see).

Hope you get in to see your neuro soon. They shouldn't keep you hanging too long on the results of the scan!

Just curious, do you have any hearing loss? Was your head MRI done with contrast?