Neurosurgeons operate on the brain and spine. As many of the tumours that arise in NF2 arise in the brain and spine, neurosurgeons are core members of the NF2 team both in terms of helping to guide when and if surgical treatments are needed and then undertaking those operations where required. You may have an appointment with a neurosurgeon as part of your regular clinical review in the service, as a way of meeting the team, or to discuss treatment options of which one may be surgery. Even if you do not have an appointment with a neurosurgeon they are part of our weekly team discussions where we discuss each patient and their scans so that we have a thorough and well rounded discussion of each patient.
ENT surgeons specialise in operating on the ear, nose and throat. As many of the tumours that arise in NF2 can affect hearing, voice and swallow, they are a core member of our NF2 team. Every patient’s hearing tests (audiology) is reviewed by an ENT surgeon at our weekly team meeting, and along with imaging and other information this helps guide any recommendations on: treatment, hearing aid’s or implants – such as Cochlear Implants (CI) or Auditory Brainstem Implants (ABI). You may be reviewed in clinic by an ENT surgeon if there are concerns about your hearing, balance, speech or swallow or if treatment options required may affect those functions. ENT surgeons and neurosurgeons work together for operations where they are needed.
It is not uncommon for patients with NF2 to develop schwannomas under the skin. If these are painful or affecting function you may be referred for further tests (such as a focused ultrasound or MRI scan) and referred to a specialist plastic surgeon to consider removing that schwannoma to help with your symptoms. It is important to mention to the Doctor or Specialist nurse reviewing you in clinic if you have any lumps under the skin that are causing irritation as we can refer you for these to be treated by a plastic surgeon to improve that.
