POSTOPERATIVE CP ANGLE TUMOR LEADING TO DYSPHAGIA: A CASE REPORT

• Satish Kumar,*  
• Ratul Dey,  
• Puranjit Kar,  
• Tijender Kumar

Abstract

Cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumors belong to a diverse group of benign and malignant tumors that arise in the region between the cerebellum and pons. These tumors can cause a variety of symptoms which include but are not restricted to hearing loss, tinnitus, facial numbness, dizziness, and dysphagia. Dysphagia is a common symptom of patients with CPA tumor as it leads to compression of cranial nerves responsible for swallowing. Surgical removal of the same can also cause dysphagia due to inflammation in the area surrounding tumor site. Dysphagia can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, making it difficult to eat and drink safely and effectively thus leading to malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia. This case report features a 26-year-old female patient who developed dysphagia following surgery for vestibular schwannoma, a benign CPA tumor. Screening and instrumental evaluation of swallowing suggested a moderate degree of oral and pharyngeal phase dysphagia. A customized therapy plan was made putting emphasis on dietary modification, compensatory and therapeutic techniques. This case report highlights the significance of adopting an interdisciplinary approach in the management of dysphagia.

Keywords

Cerebellopontine angle tumor, Dysphagia, Swallowing therapy, Effortful swallow, Mendelsohn