Trigeminal schwannomas: Has the ‘new technology’ made any difference?

Abstract

Computerised axial tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) should make detection of small trigeminal Schwannomas easier. Review of histories of five patients with trigeminal Schwannomas suggests that CT (and in one patient MRI) does not appear to lead to earlier detection of these turnours. Despite the availability of CT, three patients presented with large Schwannomas. A high index of clinical suspicion remains crucial to the diagnosis. Recent advances in diagnostic radiology have, however, considerably facilitated the logical planning of the operative approach. In that respect, it may be anticipated that the prognosis for these rare tumours will be improved.

Key Words:

• Computerised axial tomography
• cranial nerve neoplasms
• magnetic resonance imaging trigeminal nerve
• trigeminal Schwannoma