[An impressively large trilobulate neuroma of the XIIth cranial nerve (author's transl)]

The authors present a case of a large neuroma of the hypoglossal nerve of unusual size and weight, the precise nature of which could be defined only after excision, since its cystic surface suggested a diagnosis of cystic lymphangioma. The following special features may be noted: The rarety of neuromas of the XIIth cranial nerve; the influence of the relations of the XIIth nerve with the posterior belly of the digastric and the myloid muscle on development of the neuroma; the false, cystic appearance which may lead to an erroneous diagnosis of tuberculosis, which in itself, would be a contra-indication to puncture for cytological examination of fluid; the tendency to hemorrhage at the time of excision; finally, the possible problems related to nerve section.