SCHWANNOMA OF THE PAROTID GLAND WITH LEFT FACIAL WEAKNESS ? A CASE REPORT

Schwannoma is an uncommon ectodermal benign encapsulated tumor arising from Schwann cells of neural sheath of motor and sensory peripheral nerves. It is also known as Neurilemmoma. The etiology is unknown, peak incidence 3rd to 6th decade and there is no gender prediliction. The estimated frequency of involvement of facial nerve is 0.2-1.5%. A 70 year old male, presented with a swelling in the left parotid gland. Clinical examination revealed left facial weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a well circumscribed lobulated lesion. During surgery, we observed that tumor was adherent to the deep layer of facial nerve trunk. The patient had post operative ipsilateral facial paresis. Although facial nerve palsy is not commonly seen in such tumour, proper preservation of this nerve is mandatory to avoid the post operative complication and the patient should be explained about this complication preoperatively