Jugular Foramen Schwannoma: Surgical Experience in Six Cases

Abstract

Purpose: Schwannomas of the lower cranial nerves are rare tumours. We have surgical experience in six patients.

Material and methods: We have retrospectively reviewed the files of the six patients with jugular foramen schwannomas that were treated in multidisciplinary collaboration in the departments of neurosurgery and ENT. Results: From a clinical point of view, the most important finding was that these tumours usually mimic a vestibular schwannoma. The imaging findings however always allowed the differentiation. The surgical technique included in all cases a suboccipital approach for the intracranial part. When large, the extracranial extension had to be removed through a lateral cervical or transfacial approach. There was no mortality and minor morbidity, with good functional outcome. In subtotally removed tumours, recurrence occurred.

Conclusion: A combined neurosurgical and ENT approach allows for safe removal of these often large skull base tumours.

Key words:

• Skull base neoplasms
• neurilemmoma
• glossopharyngeal nerve

Additional information

Notes on contributors

F. Van Calenbergh

F. Van Calenbergh Department of Neurosurgery university Hospital Gasthuisberg Herestraat 49 B-3000 Leuven, Belgium Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone] E-mail: [email protected]