Facial nerve schwannomas: A case series with an analysis of imaging findings

Facial nerve schwannomas (FNSs) are rare benign tumors arising from the Schwann cells of the sheath of the facial nerve. These tumors may arise anywhere along the course of the facial nerve. Owing to their rarity and nonspecific clinical and radiological presentations, the preoperative diagnosis of FNSs is exceedingly difficult. In this study, we present four cases of histopathologically proven extratemporal schwannomas and a solitary case of intratemporal schwannoma. The purpose of this study was mainly focused on analyzing the imaging findings of extratemporal and intratemporal schwannomas in an effort to better characterize these lesions preoperatively. An early diagnosis of FNSs is helpful for the management and rehabilitation of these cases.