PRIMARY LYMPHOMA OF THE INTERNAL AUDITORY-CANAL - CASE-REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

We report a rare case of a primary intracranial B cell lymphoma origin ating in the internal auditory canal. The clinical manifestations were indistinguishable from those of other, more common tumors of the same region. We achieved total gross tumor removal with preservation of th e facial nerve. A detailed histologic examination and a systemic worku p confirmed the primary nature of this tumor. To our knowledge, this i s the second case reported in the literature of a primary malignant ly mphoma originating in the internal auditory canal. This is the first i nstance that includes immunohistochemical and cytometric studies of fr esh tissue. We discuss the management of primary lymphomas of the cent ral nervous system, with special emphasis on their association with ac quired immunodeficiency syndrome and other immune system diseases. Awa reness of primary central nervous system lymphomas is important, since a greater occurrence of these rare tumors in the cerebellopontine ang le is probable in the future.