A schwannoma of facial nerve in the extracranial segment – a case report

The report aims to present a rare case of facial nerve schwannoma within the parotid gland. Schwannomas are benign, welldefined tumours arising from Schwann cells that form the myelin sheaths of peripheral, cranial or spinal nerves. 25–45% of them are located within the head and neck, mainly in the parapharyngeal space. The intraparotid localisation is rare. The aetiology of cancer is unknown. Preoperative diagnosis, both radiological and cytological, is difficult and often does not give the correct diagnosis. Radiologically, a multiform adenoma is usually suspected, and fine needle aspiration biopsy is nondiagnostic. Due to the rarity and benign nature of the tumour, there has been debate over the need for surgical treatment.