Simultaneously occurring tumours within the same cerebello-pontine angle: refining literature definitions and proposal for classification.

Abstract

We report on an unusual case of a patient, not affected by neurofibromatosis, harbouring two radiologically spatially contiguous tumours within the same cerebello-pontine angle. Pathological findings were consistent with the diagnosis of two spatially distinct primary tumours, namely a meningioma and a schwannoma. We proposed a classification of tumours occurring at the same location consistent with the different spatial arrangement and histological nature of these conditions. The correct classification of these nosological entities will allow further more accurate evaluations of these cases in order to clarify the pathogenesis, prognosis and best treatment of each one.