Multiple schwannomas and meningiomas associated with irradiation in childhood.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the pattern of neural tumors (schwannomas, vestibular schwannomas [acoustic neuromas], and meningiomas) that developed in 3013 people who received radiation treatment with x-ray beam therapy for benign conditions of the head and neck area before their 16th birthday.

METHODS

The surgical and pathology reports and pathology slides were reviewed for all neural tumors in the cohort. Patients with more than 1 neural tumor were compared with those with 1 neural tumor and those with no neural tumors.

RESULTS

There were 7 patients with multiple neural tumors and 63 with single neural tumors. The distribution of tumors in these 2 groups differed. The group with multiple tumors had more spinal nerve root schwannomas, while the group with single tumors had more cranial nerve schwannomas. Six of the 7 patients did not meet the diagnostic criteria for neurofibromatosis type 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that host factors that increase susceptibility to radiation may be involved in the development of the multiple neural tumors. Clinically, patients with multiple neural tumors who do not meet the diagnostic criteria for neurofibromatosis type 2 should be questioned about radiation exposure. If exposure is confirmed, then screening for other radiation-related tumors should be initiated.