Facial nerve schwannoma: Diagnosis using magnetic Resonance Imaging

Facial nerve schwannomas are uncommon benign tumors originating along the facial nerve. These tumors often present clinically with facial nerve dysfunction. Those presenting on imaging as an enhancing cerebellopontine angle mass can be difficult to distinguish from vestibular schwannomas and meningiomas. Contrast enhancement of the geniculate ganglion on magnetic resonance imaging can help distinguish facial schwannomas from other tumor types. Proper diagnosis of cerebellopontine angle lesions is paramount as pathologic type dictates surgical approach and goals.