Schwann cell tumors of the facial nerve

An unusual group of tumors originating from Schwann cells of the facial nerve has been studied. Twenty‐three neurilemmomas were found in 17 patients. Nine originated in the temporal bone, and the remaining 14 tumors arose from the peripheral portion of the facial nerve. All tumors were treated by excision, with partial or total resection of the facial nerve. The resultant facial nerve deficit was then reconstructed with a hypoglossal nerve crossover or a free autogenous nerve graft.