A schwannoma, also known as a neuroma, is a benign tumor that develops in the protective sheathing surrounding the nerve cells. Schwann cells support the function of nerve cells, and schwannomas can develop anywhere Schwann cells are present.
Almost all spinal schwannomas are benign (not cancerous). However, even a benign tumor may need to be removed if it’s putting pressure on the nerves and spinal cord causing pain or other symptoms. If left untreated, those schwannomas can cause nerve and spinal damage. In some cases, a surgeon may recommend ongoing monitoring before considering surgery.
What Causes Schwannomas?
The cause of schwannomas is not clear, although it appears genetics play a role. Most people that have spinal schwannomas are between 30 and 60 years old, though they can occur at any age. Those with a family history of spine cancer are also at a higher risk. Read more about spinal tumors here. (see Symptoms of Spinal Schwannomas.)
The 6 "T's" of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Jamie Igneri, 31, lives a pretty idyllic life these days. The special-ed math teacher lives in Manalapan, New Jersey, with her husband, Chris, and their toddler daughter. Jamie’s peaceful life is a far cry from in 2021, when a flare-up of back pain...
Neurosurgeons by definition have many difficult conversations with their patients. We review scans together and tell them, as gently as we can, that they have a tumor, have had a stroke, or have any one of a number of other conditions that affect...
Our Care Team
- Hansen-MacDonald Professor of Neurological Surgery
- Director of Spinal Surgery
Phone: 212-746-2152
- Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery, Spinal Surgery
- Co-Director, Spinal Deformity and Scoliosis Program
- Chief of Neurological Surgery, NYP Lower Manhattan
Phone: 212-746-2260
- Clinical Associate Professor of Neurosurgery
- Attending Neurosurgeon
Phone: 888-922-2257
- Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery
Phone: 646-962-3388
- Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery, Spine Surgery
Phone: 718-670-1837 (Queens) / 888-922-2257 (Manhattan)
- Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery
Phone: 866-426-7787 (Manhattan) / 646-967-2020 (Brooklyn)
- Chairman and Neurosurgeon-in-Chief
- Margaret and Robert J. Hariri, MD ’87, PhD ’87 Professor of Neurological Surgery
- Vice Provost of Business Affairs and Integration
Phone: 212-746-4684
Reviewed by: Eric Elowitz, MD
Last reviewed/last updated: September 2020