Intraparotid facial nerve neurofibromas

Abstract

Objectives: To provide an awareness of intraparotid facial nerve neurofibroma as a cause of parotid masses and to describe their characteristics and management considerations.

Study design: Case report with literature review.

Methods: The medical records of three patients with intraparotid facial nerve neurofibromas are reviewed, and data concerning the patient's presentations, treatment, and disease course are presented with a review of the world's literature on intraparotid facial nerve neurofibromas.

Conclusions: Tumors arising from the extratemporal course of the facial nerve are quite rare. The tumors arise from Schwann cells and include the schwannoma and the neurofibroma. The overwhelming benign nature of these lesions necessitates a conservative course of treatment. Histological diagnosis should be followed by a limited tumor excision with emphasis on retaining normal facial nerve function. Malignant lesions require wide excision with facial nerve grafting or facial nerve reanimation.