CONCLUSION: Endolymphatic sac tumors (ELSTs) are locally invasive, osteolytic, and hypervascular tumors. If the labyrinth has not been invaded, the hearing should be preserved in operation. OBJECTIVE: To summarize three cases of ELST and discuss whether to keep hearing in the surgical treatment of ELST. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Complete otorhinolaryngological examinations with audiologic, vestibular, and neurologic evaluations were performed. CT and MRI scans were carried out before operation and in the course of follow-up. The patients underwent radical removal of the tumor through a transmastoid approach and accepted postoperative radiotherapy. In two of them, the structure of the labyrinth and facial nerve were preserved in operation. RESULTS: Histopathologic examinations agreed with features of an ELST. Patients suffered transitory vertigo shortly after operation, and so far, they are alive and well without further cranial nerve involvement. Case 3 patient has good hearing and facial nerve function now. No residual or recurrent tumor was detected on the postoperative MRI images.
CONCLUSION:Endolymphatic sac tumors (ELSTs) are locally invasive, osteolytic, and hypervascular tumors. If the labyrinth has not been invaded, the hearing should be preserved in operation. OBJECTIVE: To summarize three cases of ELST and discuss whether to keep hearing in the surgical treatment of ELST. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Complete otorhinolaryngological examinations with audiologic, vestibular, and neurologic evaluations were performed. CT and MRI scans were carried out before operation and in the course of follow-up. The patients underwent radical removal of the tumor through a transmastoid approach and accepted postoperative radiotherapy. In two of them, the structure of the labyrinth and facial nerve were preserved in operation. RESULTS: Histopathologic examinations agreed with features of an ELST. Patients suffered transitory vertigo shortly after operation, and so far, they are alive and well without further cranial nerve involvement. Case 3 patient has good hearing and facial nerve function now. No residual or recurrent tumor was detected on the postoperative MRI images.