Abstract
Solitary intraparotid facial nerve plexiform neurofibromas are extremely rare. These tumors arise from Schwann cells. The plexiform variant is recognized by tortuous and multinodular gross and microscopic lesions. It has a high risk of malignant transformation. We report a case of a solitary plexiform neurofibroma in a 5-year-old Italian male, who initially presented a right parotid mass of four-month duration. He had not pain, trismus, facial weakness or previous trauma. There was not familiar history of Von Recklinghausen’s disease. TC and MRI scans revealed a mass in the superficial lobe of the parotid gland. A partial parotidectomy was performed. Histopatological examination indicated plexiform neurofibroma. The incidence, presentation, diagnosis and surgical treatment of this lesion are discussed. In our case, the tumor could be readily separated from the main trunk, and facial movement was completely preserved owing to the rich neural network around the mass.
Highlights
Solitary intraparotid facial nerve plexiform neurofibromas are extremely rare
The solitary plexiform neurofibroma is not associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) [2] [3]
The preoperative planning and surgical management of plexiform neurofibromas involves two principal concerns: the timing of the operation and the extent of resection, considering recurrence probability and potential loss of function [6]. We present this solitary plexiform neurofibroma case, the second intraparotid facial nerve pediatric, reported in English-language literature
Summary
Solitary intraparotid facial nerve plexiform neurofibromas are extremely rare. Plexiform neurofibromas (PNFs) are benign tumors originating from subcutaneous or visceral peripheral nerves and involving multiple fascicles. They can occur as solitary neurofibromas, or as multiple neurofibromas without NF1. The preoperative planning and surgical management of plexiform neurofibromas involves two principal concerns: the timing of the operation and the extent of resection, considering recurrence probability and potential loss of function [6]. We present this solitary plexiform neurofibroma case, the second intraparotid facial nerve pediatric, reported in English-language literature
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