title: [The diagnosis and treatment of facial nerve schwannoma].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To discuss the diagnosis and treatment of facial nerve (FN) schwannomas.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two cases of FN schwannoma between 2002 and 2004 in Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital were reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both cases were diagnosed during operation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Because of its rarity and various presentations, facial nerve schwannoma is difficult to diagnose. In addition of the common presenting symptoms and physical examination, radiographic studies can delineate the erosion area and the relationship with surrounding tissues. These studies are essential for preoperative planning. The main factors that influence on the recovery of facial nerve function after operation are the preoperative presence of facial nerve deficit and its duration. If the facial nerve deficit lasts over one year, the recovery of facial nerve function will be worse. However, the location and the preoperative grading of facial nerve function has nothing with the recovery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology and Hearing Test Center, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200233, China.
authors.forename: Gang
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Shenglan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Yaqin
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Shankai
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003390:Cranial Nerve Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D005154:Facial Nerve; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009442:Neurilemmoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome