Schwannomas limited to the infratemporal fossa: Report of two cases

Schwannomas limited to the infratemporal fossa are rare lesions that may also involve the maxillary sinus, the orbit and the retropharyngeal space. We present two cases of schwannoma arising from the extradural divisions of the trigeminal nerve, with corresponding areas of sensory loss. Both patients had been operated for spinal canal schwannomas previously. Complete tumor removal was accomplished in both cases. The schwannoma of the maxillary division was excised using an orbitozygomatic extradural approach. The schwannoma of the mandibular division was excised using a subtemporal-infratemporal approach. Trigeminal nerve function was preserved and complete recovery of function was achieved in each patient. Identification of an infratemporal schwannoma should alert the physician to consider the diagnosis of neurofibromatosis. The literature regarding schwannomas limited to the infratemporal fossa is reviewed.