Giant Facial Nerve Schwannoma with Extra-Temporal Involvement: A Series Of Two Cases.

Abstract

Facial nerve schwannoma is a rare benign tumor of temporal bone arising from the schwann cells with incidence of 0.8%. They can arise from any segment of facial nerve with geniculate ganglion being the most common and labyrinthine segment the second commonest site. Intra-temporal location is common while only 9% of the cases have extra-temporal or parotid gland involvement. Bony remodeling or scalloping of the facial canal and the surrounding bone is the classic radiological feature of schwannoma. However schwannomas of temporal bone location can show bony erosions. The management option depends on site, extent, facial nerve function and hearing status. Surgery is reserved for large tumors with poor facial functions, hearing loss and giddiness. Giant facial nerve schwannoma with extra-temporal involvement is a rare entity with only handful number of cases reported in the literature. We present a series of two cases of giant facial nerve schwannoma with parotid gland involvement.