Case of the Week
Section Editors: Matylda Machnowska1 and Anvita Pauranik2
1University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2BC Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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July 12, 2010
Facial Nerve Schwannoma
- Facial nerve schwannoma (FNS) is an uncommon tumour arising from Schwann cells anywhere along the length of the facial nerve.
- The clinical presentation varies depending on the segment of facial nerve involved and includes facial paresis, conduction hearing loss, tinnitus, hemifacial spasm, and otalgia.
- It is classically described as a well-circumscribed fusiform enhancing mass along the course of the facial nerve. Cystic degeneration can occasionally be seen.
- Differential Diagnosis includes facial nerve hemangioma, perineural spread of tumor, Bell's palsy, glomus tumor, and cholesteatoma.
- Diagnostic Pearl: Widening along the course of the facial nerve.
- Small tumours are followed up with imaging or considered for stereotactic radiosurgery, whereas larger tumours are considered for surgery.