M. Kershisnik et al., EXTRACRANIAL, EXTRASPINAL MENINGIOMAS OF THE HEAD AND NECK, The Annals of otology, rhinology & laryngology, 102(12), 1993, pp. 967-970
The head and neck is the most frequent location for extraneuraxial men
ingiomas, be they wholly extracranial or extraspinal or extensions of
central nervous system meningiomas. Regardless of anatomic site of ori
gin, nearly all meningiomas arise from meningocytes of arachnoid granu
lations. Ectopic arachnoid cell clusters have a predilection for areas
of dural penetration of cranial nerves, and it is in these areas that
most extracranial meningiomas are found. Surgical excision is the mai
nstay of treatment and must be planned by radiologic studies to determ
ine the extent of the tumor and the presence or absence of a companion
central nervous system meningioma. The often locally invasive and agg
ressive behavior of the meningiomas belies their benign histologic app
earance.