Overview
Schwannomas are a benign, slow-growing tumor of the nerve sheath, which is a protective covering that surrounds and supports nerves outside of the brain and the spinal cord. These tumors are composed of abnormal Schwann cells, which are a type of cell that protect the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Common areas impacted are nerves in the skin and tissues of the head and neck, areas near the spine and around the spinal cord, and the cranial nerves. Signs and symptoms of schwannomas are dependent on their location. For example, spinal schwannomas may impact senses and movement, and vestibular schwannomas may cause hearing loss and vertigo. People with neurofibromatosis are particularly susceptible to developing schwannomas.
2021 WHO CNS Grade
A tumor grade describes how normal or abnormal tumor cells appear under a microscope. In lower grade tumors like grade 1, the cells look close to normal. In higher grade tumors like grade 4, the cells look more abnormal. Schwannoma is considered grade 1.
Statistics
Please note that these statistics represent all diagnoses of nerve sheath tumors including but not limited to schwannomas.
- Percent of All Brain and Other CNS Tumors: 8.0%
- Average Annual Age-Adjusted Incidence Rate: 2.02 per 100,000
- Median Age at Diagnosis: 58 years
Survival
Please note that these statistics represent all diagnoses of nerve sheath tumors including but not limited Survival rates compare the percentage of people living with a particular diagnosis at a particular point in time compared to the general population.
Please note that these statistics represent all diagnoses of nerve sheath tumors including but not limited to schwannomas.
- One-Year Relative Survival Rate: 99.2%
- Five-Year Relative Survival Rate: 99.2%
- Ten-Year Relative Survival Rate: 99.2%
Treatment Options
Surgery and radiotherapy are the most common forms of treatment. If the tumor is not completely rEvery person living with a brain or CNS tumor is unique. If you have been diagnosed with a brain or CNS tumor and would like to better understand your treatment options, it is important to work with your health care team to decide the best course of treatment for you. You may also consider getting a second opinion or reaching out to our Personalized Support and Navigation team to learn more.
