A schwannoma is typically a benign nerve sheath tumor of the schwann cell. The schwann cell is an insulating cell for the peripheral nerve and creates the myelin sheath. This tumor normally does not involve the spinal cord but in certain locations, the pressure from this tumor can cause injury to the cord.
Either by the original compression of the tumor or occasionally the surgical removal, a scar can occur on the cord that shows up as a white spot on the T2 images on the MRI. Ask your surgeon if it is a scar or possibly something else (unlikely but still make sure).
Dr. Corenman
PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.
