The most common schwannoma is the acoustic neuroma. This is a brain tumor of the eighth cranial nerve. These brain tumors can also occur on other cranial nerves such as the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve).
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of these brain tumors relate to the size and location of the tumor. Acoustic neuromas usually cause hearing loss. Fifth nerve tumors can cause pain in the face.
DIAGNOSIS
As always, the first steps in diagnosis are a careful history and physical examination. MRI scanning without and with intravenous contrast enhancement is the usual next step.
TREATMENT
The treatment of these brain tumors depends upon a number of factors including size, location and medical condition of the patient. Surgery is a frequent treatment for these brain tumors. Sometimes, stereotactic radiosurgery might be used to treat certain brain tumors.