The Schwannoma of the facial nerve in the extra-skull segment – a case report

Abstract

The aim of the report is to present a rare case of facial schwannoma in the parotid gland. Schwannomas are benign, well-defined tumors arising from Schwann cells that form myelin sheaths of peripheral, cranial or spinal nerves. 25-45% of them are located within the head and neck, mainly in the parapharyngeal space. The intraparotid location is rare. The etiology of cancer is unknown. Preoperative diagnosis, both radiological and cytological, is difficult and often does not give the correct diagnosis. Radiologically, a multiform adenoma is usually suspected, and the fine needle biopsy is non-diagnostic. Due to the rarity and benign nature of the tumor, there is a debate about the need for surgical treatment.