[Glossopharyngeal neurinoma; diagnostical and therapeutical aspects]

ABSTRACT

Among posterior fossa tumors, neurinoma arising from glossopharyngeal nerve are rare; only about 46 cases of glossopharyngel neurinoma have been reported. Though a typical jugular foramen syndrome has been described for tumors of this region, the clinical onset may often closely resemble that of acoustic neurinoma thus misleading the diagnosis. Although this tumor shares with the far more common acoustic norinorna the presenting symptom of hearing loss, it may be distinguished by an elicit able history of hoarseness, demonstration of abnormal palatal function and absence of expected findings upon standard radiographic examination of the petrous bones and internal auditory canal. This is the report of our experience with five such cases treated successfully and we have found that identification of this tumor may be accomplished with currently available diagnostic techniques, including computerized tomography and MRI. Because of its different surgical implication, such a rare condition must be clearly recognized. Our aim is to emphasize the importance of particular focus on clinical symptoms, imaging findings and surgical management of this tumor