Cavernous Sinus Chondromas

Abstract

Background: Chondromas are benign tumors with slow growth pattern that may develop along the body. Intracranial chondromas are rare, 0.1 to 0.3% of all intracranial tumors, usually in parasellar region. Few papers reported cavernous sinus chordomas. Case Description: We reported two cases of cavernous sinus chondromas. Two patients presented diplopia, one facial hypoesthesia and one presented extension to the petroclival region. Surgical approaches were frontotemporal combining presigmoid/middle fossa. Literature was reviewed concerning incidence, clinical symptoms, treatment and outcome. Both cases achieved complete tumor resection without postoperative complication. Preoperative deficits improved. Literature review confirms their rarity, clinical symptoms are related to deficits of cranial nerves passing through the cavernous sinus and cure can be achieved through radical surgical removal. Conclusion: Cavernous sinus chondromas are rare benign lesions with insidious growth. Adequate knowledge of cavernous sinus anatomy, microsurgical experience, intraoperative monitoring of cranial nerves and neuronavigation allows radical tumor removal with no additional neurological deficits.