Glossopharyngeal/Vagal Schwannoma
What are Glossopharyngeal and Vagus Nerves?
Glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves are the 9th and 10th cranial nerves. These two nerves are grouped together as both nerves exit the brainstem side by side and have similar functions and distributions anatomically.
What is Vagal Schwannoma?
A schwannoma is the abnormal growth of Schwann cells, which line and insulate the nerves. Vagal schwannoma is a tumour of the vagus nerve, the longest cranial nerve that controls involuntary processes such as controlling vocal cords. It is a rare tumour that is usually benign, slow growing and rarely spreads to other parts of the body (malignancy).
What are the Symptoms of Vagal Schwannoma?
Vagal schwannoma is usually asymptomatic but can cause swelling in the neck, hoarseness and uncontrollable cough.
What is Glossopharyngeal Schwannoma?
Glossopharyngeal schwannoma’s are a less common form of tumour of the glossopharyngeal nerve.
What are the Symptoms of Glossopharyngeal Schwannoma?
Symptoms of these types of schwannoma include loss of hearing, vertigo, difficulty in walking and coordination, hoarseness of voice, and headache and are usually non-specific in nature.
How is Vagal Schwannoma Diagnosed?
Your doctor diagnoses vagal schwannoma on the basis of your symptoms and by examining tissues removed surgically (biopsy). Your doctor may order other tests such as CT scan and carotid angiogram (an imaging test that uses a special dye and X-ray images to detect blockages in the carotid arteries). Glossopharyngeal schwannoma is also diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and imaging studies such as MRI scan and by examining tissues removed surgically.
What is the Treatment for Vagal and Glossopharyngeal Schwannoma?
Treatment of vagal and glossopharyngeal schwannoma involves surgical resection. Some cases involve stereotactic radiosurgery (a type of non-invasive treatment that delivers gamma radiation at the tumour site without making an incision).
The chances of recurrence with these types of tumours after surgery are very rare.
