[Intraparotid facial nerve schwannoma: a case report].

OBJECTIVE We describe a case of intraparotid facial nerve schwannoma. About sixty patients with intraparotid tumors have been reported in the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS A 89-year-old female patient presented with a history of progressive facial palsy and a left intraparotid mass. The mass was removed by parotidectomy for definitive diagnosis and treatment. We reviewed the findings in comparison with data in the literature. RESULTS The well-encapsulated tumor arose from the superior branch of the intraparotid facial nerve. As the tumor could not be dissected from the nerve, a segment of facial nerve was sacrificed and repaired by interposing a greater auricular nerve. The final pathological diagnosis was schwannoma arising from the facial nerve. DISCUSSION This case illustrates the clinical and pathologic features of intraparatid facial nerve schwannoma and points out the pitfalls of diagnosis and treatment. Consensus has recognized total resection surgery with facial nerve sacrifice as the most reasonable treatment for these tumors. We discuss the currently accepted management approach as well as the different treatment modalities for recovering facial function.