Facial nerve schwannoma as differential diagnosis of parotid tumors in pediatrics

Abstract

Schwannomas are benign tumors which arise from Schwann cells and take place along peripheral nerves. Extra-temporal facial nerve schwannomas are infrequent and present as painless masses in the parotid region, slow-growing and involvement of the facial nerve. Although rare, they should be taken into account as a differential diagnosis in parotid masses in children. Surgical strategies include superficial parotidectomy and surgical tumor resection with electrical nerve stimulation and nerve preservation. The following case describes a paediatric patient treated with the previously mentioned nerve sparing surgical technique.