[Diagnosis and management of intraparotid facial nerve schwannoma]

Abstract

Intraparotid facial nerve schwannoma (IFNS) is a rare benign tumor. The management of IFNS is very challenging because of the lack of appropriate methods for preoperative diagnosis, which is often conducted intraoperatively in most cases. This article reviewed the literature on IFNS recorded in PubMed from 1958 to 2014 and described in detail its clinical manifestations, diagnoses and differential diagnoses, and treatment options. Accurate diagnosis for IFNS mainly depends on intraoperative observation and postoperative histological examination. Preoperative facial nerve function, localization, and adherence, as well as preferences of IFNS patients are important factors to consider in the decision-making process for IFNS management to optimize the outcomes. Surgical resection is usually reserved for patients with facial function of House-Brackmann grade III or worse; otherwise, conservative treatment can be adopted.