Schwannoma of the chorda tympani nerve

Abstract

We report a case of schwannoma of the chorda tympani. This is a very rare benign tumour and only five other cases have been found in the literature. This is the first case to mimic a cholesteatoma presenting as a pearly tumour in the postero-superior segment of the drum with aural discharge and conductive deafness. Diagnosis is usually by biopsy and treatment is surgical with preservation of facial and auditory function. A summary of the other presentations of this tumour together with a review of the histopathology of the disease is presented.

Clinical and Histological Features of Chorda Tympani Tumors

“…Depending on the size and location of the tumour, there may exist hearing loss, as reported in 10 previous cases [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] and in our patient (Table 1). Interestingly, seven patients showed a mass in the external ear canal [3][4][5][6][7][8]10] . Only two cases were associated with neurofibromatosis [2,14] .…”

“…Only one of the previously published cases employed these methods [7] . It is remarkable that the terminology is often confusing.…”

Schwannoma de orelha média

“…The main complaint seen in the papers studies [3][4][5] was hearing loss; there were also ear fullness, otorrhea and otalgia; we stress the absence of paralysis or facial nerve paresis in all the cases. Our patient also came to us because of hearing loss and otalgia.…”

Schwannoma del nervio facial y sus ramas en el oído medio: Reporte de 3 casos y revisión de literatura

“…Ambos exámenes son complementarios para planificar la cirugía y permitir una resección completa y segura del tumor 1 . Histológicamente son tumores caracterizados por un crecimiento fusiforme con áreas Antoni A y B alternantes, con S-100 positivo en la inmunohistoquímica [5][6] . El objetivo del tratamiento en los pacientes con SNF debe intentar preservar la función del nervio facial por el mayor tiempo posible.…”