Go Back ENT/21. Temporal bone, Ear/Neoplasm, Neoplasm-like condition/21.3 - 7th nerve schwannoma/ Go to Index

The presentation of facial nerve neuroma tends to be insidious and depends on the location and extent of the lesion. Slowly progressive or sudden facial weakness, often preceded by facial twitching, is a common presenting complaint.6 In about 5% of patients with Bell's palsy, a facial nerve neuroma is found to be the cause.7 However, normal facial nerve function has been reported in 27% of patients.8,9 Because the tumor is near the auditory apparatus, hearing can be impaired. The loss may be sensorineural or conductive, depending on its origin, either proximal or distal to the geniculate ganglion.

Facial nerve neuromas are uncommon benign neoplasms of Schwann cells. They compose only 0.8% of all intrapetrous mass lesions.1 More than 300 cases have been reported since they were described by Schmidt in 1930.2

These tumors can arise from any segment of the nerve from the cerebellopontine angle to the extratemporal peripheral portion.3,4 The diversity of locations involved with the tumor and their proximity to the auditory apparatus can create a variety of clinical situations.4 Thus, the site of the tumor, its extension, and the way it involves the surrounding structures determine the surgical approach.

Facial Nerve Neuroma: Clinical, Diagnostic, and Surgical Features

Tayfun Kirazli

Skull Base. 2004 May; 14(2): 115–120.

doi: 10.1055/s-2004-828707.