Türk Nöroşirürji Dergisi 2016 , Vol 26 , Num - Ek
Facial Nerve Schwannomas
Abdulfettah TÜMTÜRK, Halil ULUTABANCA, Ali KURTSOY
Erciyes Üniversitesi, Tıp Fakültesi, Nöroşirürji Anabilim Dalı, Kayseri, Türkiye Facial nerve schwannomas are very rare tumors the prevalence of which is 0.15-0.8 % and can be observed anywhere along the course of the facial nerve. Although they are mostly seen in geniculate ganglion, labyrinthine and tympanic segment, they are rarely seen in internal auditory canal, cerebellopontine angle and extra-temporal localization. Clinical findings differ depending on the segment by which the facial nerve is affected, and most frequently lead to facial paralysis, conductive and sensory-neural hearing loss.

Contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance imaging is the most effective imaging method in the diagnosis of mastoid facial nerve schwannomas.

Traditionally, three methods are administered in the removal of facial nerve schwannomas. If the hearing ability of the patient is lost, cysternal-located tumors can be intervened with retromastoid approach. Translabyrintine approach can be reached with a substantial portion of the nerve. Those who were admitted with a mass of middle cranial fossa can best be intervened with a subtemporal way. However, a combined approach may occasionally be required.

Recently, it has been reported that peeling or excision procedure may be administered for tumors in which the unity of the nerve has not deteriorated and tumors have been located eccentrically.

Even though there have been a number of reports with perfect outcomes, the role of stereotactic radio-surgery in facial nerve schwannomas is not certain. Therefore, it is generally suggested for the asymptomatic cases with small-sized tumors but without facial paralysis or hearing loss. Anahtar Kelimeler : Facial nerve schwannomas, Differential diagnosis, Treatment