Other Cranial Nerve Schwannomas



Overview

Schwannomas are benign nerve sheath tumors that can sometimes grow to a substantial size. Cranial nerve (CN) schwannomas involve the nerves of the head & neck region, specifically ones that are responsible for sensation and movement of the face (CN V and CN VII), hearing and balance (CN VIII),  sensation and movement of the back of the throat (CN IX and CN X), vocal cord movement (CN X), or shoulders and neck muscle movement (XI). CN VIII schwannomas, the most common of which are vestibular schwannomas are discussed elsewhere here (link to vestibular schwannomas page). One of the only known risk factors for these tumors is a rare genetic disorder known as neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2).

 

Suprecerebellar Transtentorial Surgery for Schwannoma Resection at Stanford