Trigeminal schwannomas

Br J Neurosurg. 2008 Dec;22(6):729-38. doi: 10.1080/02688690802272172.

Abstract

Trigeminal schwannomas are the second most common intracranial schwannoma. They may occur sporadically or in association with neurofibromatosis type 2. The vast majority are benign in nature although malignancies have been reported. They may present with a range of symptoms because of their variable locations in areas with multiple differing functional activities. There is little understanding of the natural history of these tumours, and the choice of treatment includes surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery and fractionated radiotherapy. This article reviews the management options and outcomes. The incidence of recurrence and the time interval following treatment to recurrence is unpredictable.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cranial Nerve Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Cranial Nerve Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Disease Progression
  • Facial Pain / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / standards
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / surgery
  • Neurilemmoma* / diagnosis
  • Neurilemmoma* / surgery
  • Radiosurgery / standards
  • Trigeminal Nerve Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Trigeminal Nerve Diseases* / surgery
  • Trigeminal Nerve* / surgery