[An analytical study and report on 23 cases of neurolemmoma in the head and neck].

OBJECTIVE

To improve the understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of neurolemmoma in the head and neck by exploring its clinical features.

METHOD: Among all cases treated surgically, 15 cases of neurolemmoma in the neck were by the approach of lateral pharyngotomy, one case of neurolemmoma in the nasal cavity by lateral rhinotomy, three cases by mouth. Two cases of facial neurolemmoma were resected by the combined approach (mastoid process, middle cranial fossa and posterior cranial fossa) and radical mastoidectomy respectively. One case of neurolemmoma in the pyriform sinus was completely removed by the forceps under esophagoscope. One case of neurolemmoma in the trachea was removed by tracheotomy.

RESULT: Twenty cases were followed up from 3 months to 7 years and 19 cases did not recur. One case of neurolemmoma in the nasal cavity and sinus recured 3 years after operation. One case developed Horner's syndrome postoperatively and disappeared after two months. One case developed hoarseness.

CONCLUSION

It is difficult to diagnose neurolemmoma before operation. Diagnosis of the disease is based on pathological examination. Resection of the tumor should be performed as soon as possible under careful protection of the function of the nerve in order to avoid severe complications.