Abstract

Background: Meningiomas represent the most common primary tumours of the central nervous system and are typically benign, slow-growing neoplasms originating from arachnoid cap cells. They are graded according to the World Health Organisation classification system into three categories based on histopathological features. Schwannomas are benign tumours arising from Schwann cells of the peripheral nerve sheaths and only rarely demonstrate malignant transformation. The simultaneous occurrence of meningioma and schwannoma in the same intracranial region, in the absence of underlying genetic syndromes or prior radiation exposure, is an uncommon clinical finding. Case description: A 40-year-old female presented with progressive right-sided facial weakness and was diagnosed with Grade IV facial nerve palsy. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lesion located in the right cerebellopontine angle. Surgical excision was performed, and subsequent histopathological evaluation demonstrated the presence of both meningioma and schwannoma within the same anatomical site. There was no clinical or radiological evidence suggestive of an associated hereditary tumour syndrome, and the patient had no history of cranial irradiation. Conclusion: The coexistence of meningioma and schwannoma within the cerebellopontine angle without identifiable predisposing factors is rare and may pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Recognition of this entity is important for appropriate surgical management and accurate histopathological assessment.

Keywords

collision tumour, neurofibromatosis, cerebellopontine angle, schwannoma, meningioma