What is Neurilemmoma?

Neurilemmomas (neurilemomas) are benign, encapsulated tumors of the nerve sheath. Their cells of origin are thought to be Schwann cells derived from the neural crest (see the image below) ; accordingly, they are often referred to as schwannomas.

What is the difference between schwannoma and neurofibroma?

A schwannoma is made up solely of Schwann cells, while neurofibromas may include other kinds of cells, such as mast cells and the axons of nerves, mingled together with collagen bundles and other material.

What causes schwannoma?

What are the causes of schwannomas? The cause of schwannomas is not known in most cases. Most often they occur spontaneously. Genetic disorders such as Carney complex, neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) and schwannomatosis can cause schwannomas.

What is Antoni A?

Antoni A areas are composed of interlacing bundles of spindle cells (Schwann cells) with wavy or oval nuclei, eosinophilic cytoplasm, and indistinct cytoplasmic borders. Intranuclear vacuoles may be present. Antoni B areas are hypocellular and less compact than Antoni A areas.

What is a granular cell tumor?

Listen to pronunciation. (GRAN-yoo-lur sel TOO-mer) A rare type of soft tissue tumor that usually begins in Schwann cells (cells that hold nerve cells in place). It can occur anywhere in the body, but it usually occurs in or under the skin of the head and neck (especially the mouth or tongue).

How is schwannoma treated?

Radiation therapy is used to help control the tumor growth and improve your symptoms. It may be used in combination with surgery. Stereotactic radiosurgery. If the tumor is near vital nerves or blood vessels, a technique called stereotactic body radiation therapy may be used to limit damage to healthy tissue.

What does a schwannoma feel like?

Symptoms of a schwannoma may be vague and will vary depending on its location and size, but may include a lump or bump that can be seen or felt, pain, muscle weakness, tingling, numbness, hearing problems, and/or facial paralysis. Sometimes schwannomas do not cause any symptoms.

How Verocay bodies are formed?

Verocay bodies are formed by a highly ordered arrangement of Schwann cell nuclei in rows separated by fibrillary processes as nicely illustrated here. Occasional mitotic figures may be present.

How is granular cell tumor diagnosed?

The diagnosis of granular cell tumour is made by skin biopsy. Histopathology reveals characteristic granules within the cytoplasm of large tumour cells. A general medical history and examination to exclude any potentially associated conditions are useful.