Sporadic neurofibroma of facial nerve presenting as parotid gland tumor: a rare case report

TL;DR

A rare case of a facial nerve tumor in the parotid gland is reported, highlighting its diagnosis and treatment challenges.

Contribution

This case report adds to the limited literature on intraparotid neurofibromas and emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary management.

Findings

The patient had a painless swelling for over 5 years, diagnosed as a neurofibroma via clinical and imaging methods.

Surgical excision led to transient facial nerve dysfunction but full recovery.

Intraparotid neurofibromas can mimic other parotid tumors and may be associated with neurofibromatosis.

Abstract

Intraparotid gland neurofibroma is a rare benign tumor that arises from Schwann cells of the facial nerve within the parotid gland. This case report discusses a 41-year-old woman who experienced a painless preauricular swelling on her right side for over 5 years. Clinical examination and ultrasound revealed a well-defined mass in the parotid gland. The patient underwent total mass excision, resulting in transient facial nerve dysfunction but complete recovery. These tumors often manifest as solitary masses in the parotid region and may compress nearby structures, causing facial paralysis or numbness. Their diagnosis can be challenging due to similarities with other parotid gland tumors and possible associations with neurofibromatosis. Managing intraparotid tumors, including neurofibromas, involves a multidisciplinary approach with input from cytopathologists, radiologists, and surgeons.

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