Facial Nerve Schwannoma Located in Middle Cranial Fossa

ABSTRACT

Facial nerve schwannomas are uncommon tumors. A 40-year-old female presented with left-side facial weakness. Computed tomography(CT) imaging showed a 3 x 2cm lesion on the posterior portion of the left middle cranial fossa. The mass abutted the anterior aspect of the left petrous bone with a wide erosive change involving the area of the left facial nerve ganglion (geniculate ganglion). A well-circumscribed extra-axial mass was seen on magnetic resonance imaging(MRI). The tumor was completely removed through subtemporal approach and the patient was discharged without additional neurological deficit. This rare case is discussed and a review of the relevant literature is presented.