Management of facial nerve schwannoma: A single institution experience.

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.