Palma DM, Hinojosa GR, Vales HO

Language: Spanish
References: 23
Page: 20-27
PDF size: 889.28 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Background: Cerebellopontine angle tumors account for one of the main disorders in patients with unilateral, auditory-vestibular symptoms, specifically vestibular schwannomas, meningiomas and epidermoid cysts. Neoplasms detected in patients assisting at National Neurology and Neurosurgery Institute of Mexico are very great, compared to those living in industrialized countries, where tumors are detected early.
Objective: To determine the cause of late diagnosis in patients with cerebellopontine angle tumors.
Patients and methods: A descriptive and transversal study was done in 62 patients with cerebellopontine angle tumors (mainly vestibular schwannomas) assisting at neuro-otology consultation from June 2006 to January 2007. A questionnaire was applied to all patients to know the findings at the beginning of the symptoms and at diagnosis time. Their clinical and radiological file was reviewed to record performed studies and the initial physical exploration.
Results: Diagnosis delay is related to physician’s ignorance about neoplasm; there is not diagnostic suspicion, thus patient is not studied at first contact (82%) and disease progresses until more severe manifestations motivating a new consultation.
Conclusions: Training on diagnosing cerebellopontine angle tumors should be encouraged, specially in general physicians, otorhinolaryngologists and audiologists, in order to timely treat the neoplasm and to avoid complications and permanent neurological effects.

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