Nasopharyngeal Meningioma

Chapter 72


Nasopharyngeal Meningioma


Epidemiology


Meningiomas make up approximately 20% of all central nervous system tumors. They are benign tumors arising from arachnoid cells. However, 15 to 20% of all meningiomas extend outside the cranial cavity or spine. Extracranial tumors may be found in the temporal bone, orbit, sinonasal cavity, nasopharynx, and parotid gland. Meningiomas are most commonly found in the fifth decade of older patients and show a predilection for females. Meningiomas are rare in children.


Clinical Findings


The clinical signs and symptoms depend on the manner in which the meningioma reaches the nasopharynx. Tumor spreading through the superior orbital fissure and extending along the pterygopalatine fossa into the anterior nasopharynx may produce diplopia, maxillary nerve compression, and nasal symptoms. Large meningiomas reaching the nasopharynx from the jugular foramen may have lower cranial nerve palsies.


Pathology


Intracranial and extracranial meningiomas have identical histologic features. However, extracranial tumors tend to be less well circumscribed and show a greater propensity to invade surrounding structures. Malignant degeneration is rare. Immunochemistry tests that are typically positive include S-100 protein antigen, vimentin, and epithelial membrane antigen (EMD).

Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel

Dec 27, 2015 | Posted by in HEAD & NECK IMAGING | Comments Off on Nasopharyngeal Meningioma

Full access? Get Clinical Tree

Get Clinical Tree app for offline access