Intracochlear schwannoma extending to vestibule

Abstract

Intralabyrinthine schwannomas are benign tumors arising de novo from the perineural Schwann cell sheath of the intralabyrinthine branches of the vestibulocochlear nerve. The development of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has significantly increased the diagnosis of these tumors. Intralabyrinthine schwannomas can be sub-classified into seven groups according to the structures of the inner ear that are affected. The management strategy for intralabyrinthine schwannoma is regular monitoring with MRI, as the tumor grows slowly. In cases where the tumor growth is documented on serial MRI or disturbing vestibular symptoms are present, surgical removal can be considered. The surgical approach varies based on tumor location and size. We report a case of intravestibulocochlear schwannoma causing vertigo that developed from an intracochlear tumor during MRI. We successfully removed the tumor via the transotic approach.