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Management of Intradural and Extradural Spinal Schwannomas

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Spinal Cord Tumors

Abstract

Spinal schwannomas are benign and round encapsulated neoplasms of Schwann cell progenitors. Schwannomas are relatively common and can come in a number of different variants that include cellular, plexiform, or melanotic. Diagnosis begins with a thorough history and neurological examination. Other diagnostic tests include imaging, electromyogram, and nerve conduction velocity test data. Spinal schwannomas can be intradural or extradural, or rarely intramedullary. The tumor location is important for surgical approach and treatment strategy. Often affected nerve roots can be sacrificed without substantial motor deficit. Here we review the current surgical approaches and treatments for several types of schwannoma. Also reviewed are dumbbell tumor management, potential complications, as well as usefulness of neural monitoring.

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Chan, A.Y., Chan, A.K., Miller, C.A., Jacques, L.G., Mummaneni, P.V. (2019). Management of Intradural and Extradural Spinal Schwannomas. In: Arnautović, K.I., Gokaslan, Z.L. (eds) Spinal Cord Tumors. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-99438-3_11

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