Large sixth nerve neuroma involving the prepontine region: case report.

Abstract

Tumors originating from the cranial nerves are uncommon, except for the acoustic and trigeminal neuromas. The sixth nerve, however, has the potential to generate neuromas with characteristic clinical features. A 54-year-old woman presented with diplopia and increased intracranial pressure. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a large mass in the prepontine region. Surgery was performed via a condylar approach and demonstrated a tumor originating from the prepontine portion of the sixth nerve. The sixth nerve neuroma at the pontomedullary junction showed characteristic clinical features and could be successfully removed via a condylar approach.