Spinal Schwannoma and Meningioma Mimicking a Single Mass at the Craniocervical Junction Subsequent to Remote Radiation Therapy for Acne Vulgaris

World Neurosurg. 2016 Sep:93:484.e13-6. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2016.07.046. Epub 2016 Jul 20.

Abstract

Background: Schwannomas and meningiomas are relatively common tumors of the nervous system. They have been reported in the literature as existing concurrently as a single mass, but very rarely have they been shown to present at the craniocervical junction.

Case description: We present a rare and interesting case of a patient previously treated with radiation therapy for acne vulgaris and who presented to us with a concurrent schwannoma and meningioma of the craniocervical junction mimicking a single mass.

Conclusions: These tumors can be solitary or mixed masses, and are known to be associated with certain disease processes such as long-term sequelae of radiation therapy and neurofibromatosis type 2. The precise mechanism behind the formation of these tumors is unknown; however, molecular cues in the tumor microenvironment may play a role.

Keywords: Meningioma; Radiation-induced tumor; Schwannoma; Skull base tumor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / complications
  • Acne Vulgaris / radiotherapy
  • Cervical Vertebrae / pathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / etiology
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Meningioma / etiology
  • Meningioma / pathology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / etiology
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / pathology*
  • Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / etiology
  • Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / pathology*
  • Neurilemmoma / etiology
  • Neurilemmoma / pathology*
  • Radiotherapy, Conformal / adverse effects*
  • Spinal Neoplasms / etiology
  • Spinal Neoplasms / pathology*