What is the difference between schwannoma and neurofibroma

This subtype of benign nerve sheath tumor is also at very low risk of becoming malignant. Neurofibromas do not simply displace the nerve root, but rather encase it. Although there are some anatomic considerations that may affect surgical technique, treatment of neurofibromas and schwannomas is essentially the same. Schwannomas and neurofibromas have a common diagnostic process.

If you present your doctor with some combination of the known symptoms, he or she will likely perform a physical examination and an MRI to visualize the affected area. If you have multiple tumors or other findings that indicate a genetic syndrome, genetic testing may be advised.

Treatment options are the same for both schwannomas and neurofibromas. The first consideration in treating a benign nerve sheath tumor is whether it is symptomatic or growing. If you and your doctor decide to actively treat the benign nerve sheath tumor, then surgical removal is usually the best choice. If, for whatever reason, you and your doctor decide you cannot tolerate surgery because of a medical condition, radiosurgery is an option. Talk with your doctor to better understand your benign nerve sheath tumor and the options available to you.

Schwannomas and neurofibromas are benign nerve sheath tumors that, due to their similarity, sometimes cause confusion. Conflict of Interest: None declared. National Center for Biotechnology Information , U. Indian J Radiol Imaging. Author information Copyright and License information Disclaimer. Correspondence: Dr. E-mail: ni. This article has been cited by other articles in PMC. Abstract Peripheral nerve sheath tumors are categorized into benign and malignant forms, comprising of neurofibroma and schwannoma in the benign category and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors in the malignant category.

Keywords: Magnetic resonance imaging, neurofibroma, schwannoma, target sign. Discussion Neural distribution Distribution of the lesion along the course of the nerve is a feature of prime importance for the diagnosis of a nerve sheath tumor [ Figure 1 ]. Open in a separate window. Figure 1 A and B. Figure 2 A and B. Figure 3 A and B. Entering or exiting nerve sign Neurofibromas are pathologically characterized by fusiform enlargement of the nerve, with the tapered ends of the lesion toward the parent nerve [ Figure 4 ].

Figure 4 A and B. Figure 5 A and B. Figure 6. Target sign The target sign is portrayed on axial T2W images as a central area of hypointensity with a peripheral hyperintensity.

Figure 7. Figure 8 A-C. Figure 9. Figure 10 A and B. Figure 11 A and B. Figure 12 A and B. Muscular atrophy The presence of a lesion with associated regional muscular atrophy in the neural distribution is indicative of a nerve sheath tumor.

Figure T2 hyperintense rim A thin rim of T2 hyperintensity has been observed more commonly in cases of schwannomas, as compared to neurofibromas [ Figure 14 ]. Intra-tumoral cysts Intra-tumoral cystic degeneration is a more common feature of schwannomas, as compared to neurofibromas.

Figure 15 A and B. Signs of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors Benign lesions seldom achieve a size larger than 5 cm, and an increase in size of these lesions is highly suggestive of a malignant transformation that requires histopathological confirmation.

Figure 16 A and B. Figure 17 A and B. Table 1 Salient imaging features of neurogenic lesions. Conclusion In summary, MRI plays an important role in the management of peripheral nerve sheath tumors. References 1. Imaging of Soft Tissue Tumors; pp. Kransdorf MJ. Benign soft-tissue tumors in a large referral population: Distribution of specific diagnoses by age, sex and location.

About Recent Edits Go ad-free. Edit article. View revision history Report problem with Article. Citation, DOI and article data. Wein, S. Spinal nerve sheath tumors. Reference article, Radiopaedia. Central Nervous System , Spine. Spinal nerve sheath tumours : schwannoma and neurofibroma Spinal nerve sheath tumors : schwannoma and neurofibroma Spinal nerve sheath tumors.

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