Skull Base Rep 2011; 1(2): 089-094
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1276722
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Ganglioneuroma of the Internal Auditory Canal Presenting as a Vestibular Schwannoma

Kimon Bekelis1 , Duncan A. Meiklejohn2 , Symeon Missios1 , Brent Harris3 , James E. Saunders2 , Kadir Erkmen1
  • 1Section of Neurosurgery, Dartmouth–Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
  • 2Section of Ear Nose and Throat Surgery, Dartmouth–Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
  • 3Section of Pathology, Dartmouth–Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
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Publikationsverlauf

Publikationsdatum:
11. April 2011 (online)

ABSTRACT

In most series, 90% of cerebellopontine angle tumors are vestibular schwannomas. Meningiomas and epidermoid tumors follow with decreased frequency. Ganglioneuroma is a benign tumor usually found in the retroperitoneum and posterior mediastinum. We report a case of a 21-year-old man with gradual sensorineural hearing loss and a minimally enhancing lesion of the internal auditory canal, which was excised through a middle fossa approach and found histologically to be a ganglioneuroma. Like vestibular schwannomas, these lesions are benign in nature and may be managed in a similar fashion, although the possibility of malignant transformation may support surgical resection over conservative management or radiosurgery. Ganglioneuromas should be considered in patients with atypical radiographic findings for vestibular schwannomas.

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Kadir ErkmenM.D. 

Section of Neurosurgery, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756

eMail: Kadir.Erkmen@hitchcock.org

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