Schwannoma

Researchers from Peking University detail new studies and findings in the area of life sciences

"The high recurrence rate and postoperative deformity are unsolved problems. Asazuma's landmark classification could not cover all cases and could not provide clear suggestion for the surgical approach. The ideal classification should be comprehensive, easily understood and of practical value. PUTH classification for cervical dumbbell tumors includes 7 categories ( types 1-7) and 2 foraminal modifiers. Posterior approach is appropriate for type 1, 2 and 5 tumors, anterior and anterolateral approach is an ideal choice for type 4 and 6 tumors. Type 7 tumors need combined anterior and posterior approach. Forty-four consecutive patients with cervical dumbbell tumor were surgically treated. The pathology included schwannoma in 31 cases, neurofibroma in 9 and ganglioneuroma in 4. Based on PUTH classification, type 3 was diagnosed in 13 cases, type 5 in 17, type 6 in 8, and type 7 in 6. Tumors were unilateral in 41 cases, and bilateral in 3 cases. Five were tumor revision cases. Thirty patients underwent posterior approach, 7 had anterior approach, 1 had anterolateral approach, and 6 had combined approach. Gross total resection was achieved in all the patients. Tumors involved nerve roots were transected in 12 cases. Single vertebral artery was ligated in 3. The complications included cerebrospinal fluid leakage in 18 cases, esophagus injury in 1, Horner syndrome in 1, dysphagia in 2, dyspnea in 1 and deep infection in 1. Thirty-six cases (81.1%) had an average 61-month follow-up. Recurrence was found in only one case (2.8%). PUTH classification covers all tumor types and is easier to remember. It is practical and useful for determining the surgical approach. The recurrence rate decreases significantly after radial tumor resection," wrote L. Jiang and colleagues, Peking University.

The researchers concluded: "Revision surgeries are associated with more complications."

Jiang and colleagues published their study in Spine (Results of Surgical Treatment of Cervical Dumbbell Tumors Surgical Approach and Development of an Anatomic Classification System. Spine, 2009;34(12):1307-1314).

For additional information, contact Z.J. Liu, Peking University, Hospital 3, Dept. of Orthopedic, 49 N Garden St., Beijing 100083, People's Republic of China.

Publisher contact information for the journal Spine is: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 530 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106-3621, USA.

Keywords: People's Republic of China, Beijing, Life Sciences, Neurofibroma, Neurilemmoma, Schwannoma, Oncology, Cancer, Ganglioneuroma, Clinical Trials, Post-Trials Research, Pathology, Peking University.

This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.