Neurinomas of the Facial Nerve

Abstract

Neurinomas of the facial nerve are among the rarest tumors of the petrous bone and of the cerebello-pontine angle. The first report of facial nerve neurinomas was published by Schmidt in 1930 (511). Since then, more than 100 cases have been reported (270, 400, 457). In Fisch’s series (144) of 53 petrous bone and cerebellopontine angle tumors presenting with facial nerve palsy, 12 of the 53 (23%) were facial neurinomas. Facial nerve neurinomas and primary cholesteatomas are the most common tumors to present with a progressive peripheral facial nerve palsy, and constitute about 25% of such tumors each. However, the vast majority (80%) of facial nerve palsies are idiopathic, i. e. Bell’s palsy (239, 398). Only about 20% of facial nerve palsies are caused by tumor, trauma, herpes zoster oticus or otitis media combined.