Nerve Sheath Tumours In and Around Spine—A Series of 50 Cases

Abstract

Abstract Background: Nerve sheath tumours in and around the spine, especially in the junctional zones, are a challenging endeavour for the surgeon, because of the difficulty in approaching these structures as well as their close proximity to the major vessels and nerves. Most of these tumours are benign in nature. They are usually very slow growing, and hence the tumour may be detected very late in its clinical course unless it compresses or encircles any of the major neurovascular structures early in its course. The surgical results after the excision of these tumours are excellent. Most of the patients get completely cured by prompt treatment. Here we present a series of 50 nerve sheath tumours in and around the spine operated over a period of 21 years. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was done for 50 patients who underwent an operation for nerve sheath tumours in and around the spine, over a period of 21 years. Patient’s clinical and radiological data were extracted from the Medical Record Department (MRD) of our hospital and analysed. Results: Out of the 50 cases of nerve sheath tumours, 40 patients (80%) were of schwannoma and 10 patients (20%) were of neurofibroma. Overall, 10 patients had dumbbell tumours (neurofibroma+schwannoma). The mean age group was between 4th and 6th decade. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 20 years period. All of these tumours were benign except one patient who had a malignant neurofibroma of the C-8 nerve root. 15 out of 50 patients presented with paraparesis, 5 with paraplegia and another 5 with quadriparesis. All these patients had complete neurological recovery after surgical removal of the tumours. Conclusion: This case series brings out the nuances in the management of nerve sheath tumours in and around the spine and their results.