Primary tumours of the vestibule and inner ear
Seven primary tumours of the vestibule and inner ear are described, six schwannomas and one traumatic fibroma. Schwannomas in this situation may occur as sporadic tumours, or may be a feature of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF-2). In the latter condition they may occur in isolation or in association with, but separate from, schwannomas arising in the internal meatus. Direct extension into the vestibule of an intrameatal vestibular schwannoma is well reported, but extension of an intravestibular tumour into the internal meatus is not described. Traumatic fibromas of the vestibule are rare and the trigger could be an attack of labyrinthitis. Intravestibular tumours, although rare, are likely to be diagnosed with increasing frequency with the widespread use of MR imaging.