A Case of Facial Nerve Schwannoma in the Parotid Gland

—Comparison with 103 Cases—

Abstract

Treatment targeting facial nerve schwannomas in the parotid gland have been controversial because of the occurrence of facial paralysis after excision. We experienced a single case of a facial nerve schwannoma in the parotid gland.
A 67-year-old woman was referred to us for evaluation of a tumor in the deep lobe of the left parotid gland that was detected by chance during magnetic resonance imaging at another department. Although excision of the deep parotid gland lobe was planned, a facial nerve schwannoma in the parotid gland was considered according to the preoperative and intraoperative findings. Only a biopsy was performed, after which the incision was closed. The pathological diagnosis was schwannoma. Although 2 years have passed since the operation, physical examination and magnetic resonance imaging findings have not revealed any aggravation.
Because postoperative facial palsy consequent to excision of a facial nerve schwannoma can remarkably reduce the quality of life, the goal should be function preservation to the greatest extent possible.