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.