Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
19:53
Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer
Published on: March 1, 2015
Primary facial nerve tumors within the skull
1Department of Neurosurgery, London Hospital, Whitechapel, England.
Journal of Neurosurgery
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Facial nerve tumors, though rare, often present with intracranial extensions. Surgical removal via the translabyrinthine route is effective for these neurinomas, but treatment is not always necessary.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Otolaryngology
- Neurology
Background:
- Cerebellopontine angle tumors are a diverse group, with acoustic nerve tumors being the most common.
- Primary tumors of the facial nerve are rare but can have significant intracranial involvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical and radiological features of primary facial nerve tumors in the cerebellopontine angle.
- To discuss the indications for surgical treatment of these rare lesions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 527 cerebellopontine angle tumors.
- Analysis of 14 verified cases of primary facial nerve tumors.
- Surgical removal, primarily via the translabyrinthine route, was performed in most cases.
Main Results:
- Out of 527 tumors, 14 were primary facial nerve tumors; 6 additional suspected cases were not operated on.
- Most verified facial nerve tumors (12/14) were neurinomas.
- Eleven of the 14 facial nerve tumors had significant intracranial extensions into the middle or posterior fossa.
Conclusions:
- Primary facial nerve tumors are uncommon but frequently involve intracranial extension.
- The translabyrinthine surgical approach offers advantages for tumor removal and nerve repair.
- Surgical intervention is not universally required, as evidenced by cases managed non-operatively.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Cranial Bones: Superior and Posterior View
The superior view of the cranium shows the frontal and paired parietal bones.
The frontal bone is the single bone that forms the forehead. At its anterior midline, between the eyebrows, there is a slight depression called the glabella. The frontal bone also forms the supraorbital margin of the orbit. Near the middle of this margin is the supraorbital foramen, the opening that provides passage for a sensory nerve to the forehead. The frontal bone is thickened just above each supraorbital margin,...
The frontal bone is the single bone that forms the forehead. At its anterior midline, between the eyebrows, there is a slight depression called the glabella. The frontal bone also forms the supraorbital margin of the orbit. Near the middle of this margin is the supraorbital foramen, the opening that provides passage for a sensory nerve to the forehead. The frontal bone is thickened just above each supraorbital margin,...
01:27Cranial Bones: Lateral View
The lateral view of the cranium is dominated by temporal, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones.
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
01:14Muscles for Facial Expressions
The craniofacial muscles are a collection of approximately 20 thin skeletal muscles situated beneath the skin of the face and scalp. These muscles, primarily responsible for the vast array of human facial expressions, originate from the bones or fibrous structures of the skull and extend outwards to connect with the skin. While most skeletal muscles in the body are enveloped in thick fascia, facial muscles generally have a more delicate fascial covering, with the buccinator muscle being a...
01:19Cranial Nerves: Overview and Anatomy
The cranial nerves are an important part of the complex network of nerves in the human body. These nerves emerge directly from the brain and are responsible for transmitting essential information between the brain and various parts of the head and neck. There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves, systematically numbered using Roman numerals from I to XII, beginning from the anterior and moving to the posterior of the brain. Each cranial nerve is uniquely identified by names that reflect its function...
01:14Cranial Nerves: Types Part I
Cranial nerves are responsible for transmitting motor and sensory information between the brain and various parts of the body. There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves, with the first six being essential in sensory perception, motor control, and autonomic functions related to the head and neck.
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
01:22Cranial Nerves: Types Part II
Cranial nerves are responsible for transmitting motor and sensory information between the brain and various parts of the body. There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves. While the first six innervate the head and neck, the latter six nerves innervate the head and neck, as well as organs and tissues in the thoracic and abdominal cavities. They facilitate communication, expression, and autonomic control within the human body.
Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
Cranial nerve VII, or the facial nerve,...
Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
Cranial nerve VII, or the facial nerve,...