neurilemmoma

schwan·no·ma

(shwah-nō'mă)

A benign, encapsulated neoplasm in which the fundamental component is structurally identical to a syncytium of Schwann cells; the neoplastic cells proliferate within the endoneurium, and the perineurium forms the capsule. The neoplasm may originate from a peripheral or sympathetic nerve, or from various cranial nerves, particularly the eighth nerve; when the nerve is small, it is usually found (if at all) in the capsule of the neoplasm; if the nerve is large, the neurilemmoma may develop within the sheath of the nerve, the fibers of which may then spread over the surface of the capsule as the neoplasm enlarges. Microscopically, neurilemmoma is composed of combinations of two patterns, Antoni types A and B, either of which may be predominant.
See also: neurofibroma
Synonym(s): neurilemmoma.

[Theodor Schwann + -oma]

Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012

neurilemmoma

A benign tumour of NEURILEMMA (Schwann cells) that may occur in any peripheral or CRANIAL NERVE or in a nerve of the sympathetic nervous system. Although non-malignant, neurilemmomas of such nerves as the acoustic nerve can be dangerous.

Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005

schwan·no·ma

(shwah-nō'mă)

A benign, encapsulated neoplasm in which the fundamental component is structurally identical to a syncytium of Schwann cells.
Synonym(s): neurilemmoma.

Medical Dictionary for the Dental Professions © Farlex 2012

Patient discussion about neurilemmoma

Q. Anybody familiar with schwannoma?

A. A schwannoma is a kind of tumor originating from the Schwann cells. The insulating myelin sheath which covers peripheral nerves is produced by the Schwann cells. Hence, one kind of tumor originating from the Schwann cells is called a schwannoma.

Schwannomas are very homogeneous tumors consisting only of Schwann cells. The tumor cells always stay on the outside of the nerve, but the tumor itself may either push the nerve aside and/or up against a bony structure (thereby possibly causing damage). Schwannomas are relatively slow growing. For reasons not yet understood, schwannomas are mostly benign and less than 1% become malignant (degenerate into cancer). This form of cancer is known as malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour or malignant Schwannoma or neurofibrosarcoma.

Schwannomas can arise from a genetic disorder called neurofibromatosis.

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