# Case Report: Parapharyngeal Leiomyosarcoma Mimicking Neurofibroma

## TL;DR

This case report highlights the difficulty in distinguishing between two rare tumors in the throat area and emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis for better outcomes.

## Contribution

The report underscores the necessity of immunohistochemistry for accurate diagnosis of spindle cell tumors in the absence of clear clinical indicators.

## Key findings

- Leiomyosarcomas and neurofibromas in the parapharyngeal space have similar clinical and radiographic features.
- Immunohistochemistry is essential for diagnosis when clinical features are ambiguous.

## Abstract

Leiomyosarcomas and neurofibromas of the parapharyngeal space share similar clinical and radiographic features, making early diagnosis challenging. In patients without neurocutaneous disorders, an adequate tissue sample with immunohistochemistry is crucial for diagnosis. Early detection and treatment of leiomyosarcoma are essential to improve survival and prevent progression of disease.

Neurofibroma and leiomyosarcomas are rare tumors of the head and neck with similar imaging characteristics of T2 hyperintensity on MRI that can present with neurological deficits. However, leiomyosarcomas are malignant, and early diagnosis is critical to improved survival. Immunohistochemistry is crucial for assigning line of differentiation in spindle cell tumors, especially on limited samples.