Extratemporal intraparotid facial nerve schwannoma

Schwannomas of the eighth nerve are common, usually found in syndromic association with neurofibromatosis-2. The occurrence of seventh nerve schwannoma, especially in its extratemporal course, is very rare. Here, we present a case report of an extratemporal facial nerve schwannoma diagnosed preoperatively with cytopathology and postoperative histopathologic confirmation. Histopathology provides the confirmatory diagnosis in such cases. An atypical diagnosis of neural schwannomas should be kept in mind when facial palsy is clinically encountered in the absence of any other aetiological factors.

Automated summary

Schwannomas of the eighth nerve are common and often associated with neurofibromatosis-2; however, seventh nerve schwannomas, especially in an extratemporal course, are rare. Histopathology is essential for confirming the diagnosis of facial nerve schwannoma, and atypical diagnoses should be considered when facial palsy is present without other etiological factors.