title: Magnetic resonance imaging and intraoperative frozen sections in intratemporal facial schwannomas.
abstract: Seven cases of intratemporal facial schwannoma were assessed by preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and intraoperative frozen sections to determine tumor boundaries. These results were then analyzed with respect to gross tumor appearance, under the operating microscope, and final histopathologic diagnosis, with immunostains. Gadolinium-enhanced MRI was helpful in planning the surgical and approach and in defining the extent of tumor involvement relative to the facial nerve. Frozen sections on the other hand were often unreliable in confirming the completeness of resection, frequently overestimating tumor infiltration. Ultimately, tumor-nerve interface, especially in the proximal facial segments, is best judged by its gross intraoperative appearance under high magnification, with the aid of MRI. The difficulty in establishing tumor infiltration in the presence of organized neutral fibers and artifacts is emphasized. Immunohistochemical assays are essential in this regard. Complete tumor removal was achieved in all seven cases, with acceptable functional outcome in those with sufficiently long follow-up.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, University of Toronto, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Moll
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wichmann
authors.forename: M O
authors.initials: MO
authors.lastname: Kurrer
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Fisch
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003390:Cranial Nerve Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D005629:Frozen Sections; D005830:Geniculate Ganglion / Q000473:pathology; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009442:Neurilemmoma / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure