Gasserian ganglion schwannoma with orbital extension

A patient with painless proptosis and no associated neurologic symptoms was found to have a cystic retrobulbar orbital mass. The initial computed tomography (CT) scan did not demonstrate any intracranial involvement. On orbital biopsy a schwannoma was encountered and repeat CT scan with contrast revealed a large middle cranial fossa mass with extension into the orbit through the optic canal and superior orbital fissure. On lateral transfrontal craniotomy the lesion was noted to arise from the gasserian ganglion and to involve the right cavernous sinus. Subtotal resection was performed, and the patient has remained asymptomatic and free of recurrence for 18 months.