Skull Base 2008; 18(4): 217-227
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1016959
REVIEW ARTICLE

© Thieme Medical Publishers

Nonvestibular Schwannoma Tumors in the Cerebellopontine Angle: A Structured Approach and Management Guidelines

Jacob Bertram Springborg1 , Lars Poulsgaard1 , Jens Thomsen2
  • 1University Clinic of Neurosurgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
  • 2ENT Department, Gentofte University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
03 January 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

The most common cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumor is a vestibular schwannoma, but one in five CPA tumors are not vestibular schwannomas. These tumors may require different management strategies. Compared with vestibular schwannomas, symptoms and signs from cranial nerve VIII are less frequent: other cranial nerve and cerebellar symptoms and signs predominate in patients with these less common CPA tumors. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging often show features leading to the correct diagnosis. Treatment most often includes surgery, but a policy of observation or subtotal resection is often wiser. This review provides a structured approach to the diagnosis of nonvestibular schwannoma CPA lesions and also management guidelines.

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Jens ThomsenM.D. D.M.Sc. F.R.C.S. 

ENT Department, Gentofte University Hospital

Niels Andersens Vej 65, 2900 Hellerup, Denmark

Email: jetho@gentoftehosp.kbhamt.dk

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