Epidermoid tumors arise from misplaced squamous epithelium and enlarge through the accumulation of desquamated cell debris.1 Notwithstanding the prevailing conservative attitudes to minimize morbidity, optimal treatment consists of total removal of the capsule2,3; therefore, giant and multicompartmental tumors are particularly challenging. The utilization of simultaneous endoscopic microscopic techniques by tandem endoscopic and microscopic dissection to overcome the shortcomings of both modalities, markedly enhances the ability of radical removal,4 thus eliminating or at least long-delaying inevitable recurrences with subsequent accumulated morbidity. The transmastoid approach by skeletonizing and reflexing the transverse-sigmoid sinus offers wide exposure of the cerebellopontine angle avoiding cerebellar retraction and allowing 4-hands dissection.5 The patient is a 17-yr-old male with a giant epidermoid tumor in the cerebellopontine angle, extending through the incisura. The patient underwent surgical resection with maximum pursuit of the epithelial capsule. After removing the epidermoid tumor, a miniature intra and extradural midclival tumor was encountered and removed with a proven pathology of chordoma. Patient did well postoperatively with relief of his hemifacial spasms. Patient consented for surgery and photograph publication. Image at 1:23, ©1997, O. Al-Mefty, used with permission. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Brain tumor; Cerebellopontine angle; Chordoma; Endoscope; Epidermoid tumor; Epithelial capsule; Transmastoid approach.
© Congress of Neurological Surgeons 2021.