Schwannomas of the jugular foramen

Schwannomas of the jugular foramen are relatively uncommon tumors. The growth and initial presentation of these tumors are variable and may not be associated with neuropathies of cranial nerves IX, X and XI. Seven patients with jugular fossa schwannomas are presented. Auditory brain stem response, electronystagmogram, computed cranial tomography, and carotid angiography are helpful in diagnosis and preoperative evaluation. The surgical approach should be individualized to the lesion and may include transmastoid with extended facial recess, translabyrinthine, retrolabyrinthine, and infratemporal/cervical approaches.