Intra-parotid neurofibroma of facial nerve: A case report

A 45-year-old male presented with a painless slowly growing mass in the region of the left parotid gland over a period of 4 years. The swelling was nontender, measuring 8cm*6cm and it was hard in consistency. Facial function was normal. At surgery, a bulky, lobular tumor was found in the parotid gland. Identification of the facial nerve was not possible and eventually the mass, which was seen to be incorporating one of the peripheral branches of the nerve, was identified as a facial nerve tumor. Due to the size and local expansion of the tumor, complete tumor resection was done. A mass measuring 8*6*4cm was excised and a superficial parotidectomy was performed. Failing to dissect the tumor from the nerve, the nerve portion involved in the tumor mass was inevitably sacrificed. Histopathologically the tumor was found to be a neurofibroma. Postoperatively, the patient suffered from an incomplete facial palsy.