Management of nonacoustic cranial nerve neuromata

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to review the authors' experience with diagnosis and management of nonacoustic neuroma of the cerebellopontine angle and skull base. In addition, management strategies for each type of tumor are suggested. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of the charts of patients at the authors' institutions who underwent surgery for neuroma of the fifth through twelfth cranial nerves, between the years 1980-1996, was undertaken. Presenting symptoms, diagnostic techniques, and treatment are discussed for each type of lesion. PATIENTS: Four individuals with trigeminal neuroma, 1 individual with abducens neuroma, 40 individuals with facial neuroma, 3 individuals with glossopharyngeal neuroma, 21 individuals with vagal neuroma, 1 individual with accessory neuroma, and 4 individuals with hypoglossal neuroma participated. INTERVENTIONS: Surgical resection versus observation was examined. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Freedom from recurrence or complication was measured. RESULTS: Surgical resection achieved in all patients, aside from the patient with abducens neuroma who is being observed, was measured. CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative diagnosis of nonacoustic lower cranial nerve neuroma is fairly common at the authors' institutions. Each type of neuroma requires its own tailored surgical approach once a decision has been made to resect the tumor.