Hemangioma of the facial nerve
Braccini, F.; Deveze, A.; Paris, J.; Chrestian, M.A.; Thomassin, J.M.
Acta Bio-Medica de l'Ateneo Parmense 71(1-2): 35-42
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0392-4203 PMID: 11424600 Document Number: 526058
To discuss the interest of the etiologic diagnosis of a facial palsy. Two cases of geniculate ganglion hemangioma with progressive facial palsy are reported. Hemangioma of the facial nerve is a rare and benign vascular tumor that originates from the venous plexus surrounding the facial nerve. The most common locations are the internal auditory canal and the geniculate ganglion. Diagnosis of these small tumors is radiological with CT-scan and MRI studies. Surgical excision through a supra-petrosal approach is the gold standard treatment. Hemangiomas of the facial nerve and particularly those developed in the geniculate ganglion area constitute a rare but not inconsiderable facial palsy etiology. An acute diagnosis and an early excision are fundamental to preserve a satisfactory facial function.