Fibroblastic tumor of the abducens nerve

Abstract

Tumors of the cranial nerves are uncommon, and are usually schwannomas or neurofibromas. The authors describe a case of a fibroblastic tumor involving the sixth cranial nerve. Based upon electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry, the tumor was not of nerve-sheath origin, but was comprised of fibroblasts. Clinical, radiographic, and pathological material are presented, and the literature is discussed. This represents the third case report of a tumor of the abducens nerve, and the first report of a fibroma of a cranial or peripheral nerve.