Facial nerve neuromas: diagnosis and management

Facial nerve neuromas are uncommon tumors that involve the facial nerve. There is no classic presentation of these tumors. This study presents a series of 22 patients with facial neuromas managed from 1977 to 1993. Facial nerve dysfunction was the most common complaint, present in 90.5% of cases. Hearing loss was the second most common complaint and was found in 76.2% of cases. High resolution computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium proved to be the most accurate methods of preoperative assessment of these tumors and are complementary in selected cases. Different surgical approaches were performed according to tumor location and preoperative hearing level. In all cases long-term follow-up showed no tumor recurrence, and acceptable return of facial function was noted in 80% of cases.