A Case of Trigeminal Neurinoma

ABSTRACT

Trigeminal neurinomas are relatively rare tumors that arise from the sheath of Schwann and constitute 2.9% of intracranial neurinomas and 0.26% of all brain tumors. The most cases are confined to the middle fossa and arising from the Gasserian ganglion. In slight fewer cases the tumor occupy the cerebellopontine angle. In minority it is an hourglass form both situations. By reason of their rarity, the complex clinical problems which may present and the difficult technical aspects involved in their removal, neurinomas of the Gasserian ganglion are of extreme interest. We are reporting a case of trigeminal neurinoma which was arised from the right Gasserian ganglion and located in both situations of middle and posterior cranial fossas. A 37 year-old female was admitted to our department with characteristic symptoms and signs involving many cranial nerves, cerebellum and cerebral peduncle. We chose temporal craniotomy and approached to and exposed the mass by extradural and intradural techniques. Complete removal of the tumor occupying the middle and posterior cranial fossas are accomplished satisfactorily.