Management of facial nerve schwannoma: A single institution experience

Abstract

Conclusion: Difficulties in diagnosis, conservative initial steps in the management algorithm and intraoperative risks for facial nerve (FN) injury are divisive features for this tumour entity. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the management and outcome of FN schwannomas (FNSs) at a tertiary referral centre and academic institution in a 30-year material. Methods: Data on age, sex, symptoms, tumour location, histopathological characteristics, imaging, management and outcome were retrospectively recorded. Results: Ten cases (six males, 60%), with a median age of 34.5 years (range 19–75 years) were identified. Five of the patients had intact FN function at the time of diagnosis. Five of the tumours were intraparotid and five were located in the temporal bone. Preoperative fine needle aspirations were non-diagnostic in all of the four patients presenting with a parotid mass. Nine patients were managed surgically. One patient is currently under conservative follow-up for a parotid schwannoma (diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging) with intact FN function. No malignant schwannomas were encountered. The clinical outcome and histology will be discussed.

Keywords::

• Temporal bone
• parotid gland
• neural neoplasm
• paralysis

Acknowledgment

Funding from the Helsinki University Central Hospital Research Fund, Helsinki, Finland.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.