Indian Journal of Surgery Medknow Publications on behalf of Association of Surgeons of India ISSN: 0972-2068 Vol. 65, Num. 3, 2003, pp. 276-277

Indian Journal of Surgery, Vol. 65, No. 3, May-June, 2003, pp. 276-277

Case Report

Schwannoma (neurilemmoma) of the parotid gland presenting as parotid tumour

T. V. Govindan, Sanjay Theodore, J. Jagajeevan

Department of General Surgery,Government Stanley Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, India.
Address for correspondence Dr. J. Jagajeevan, No. 6, Kummbalamman Koil Street, Tondiarpet, Chennai 600081, Tamil Nadu, India.

Paper Received: October 2001. Paper Accepted: December 2001. Source of Support: Nil

Code Number: is03054

ABSTRACT

Benign tumours of the parotid gland are quite common, but sometimes, rare tumours like schwannoma present as parotid tumours. Here we present a case which was diagnosed as a benign parotid tumour preoperatively and following surgical excision and histopathological examination, was diagnosed as a schwannoma (neurilemmoma). Though quite rare, this should always be considered while diagnosing a benign parotid tumour.

KEY WORDS: Parotid tumour, Schwannoma, Neurilemmoma.

How to cite this article: Govindan TV, Theodore S, Jagajeevan J. Schwannoma (neurilemmoma) of the parotid gland presenting as parotid tumour. Indian J Surg 2003;65:276-7.

CASE REPORT

A 39-year-old woman presented with a 2-year history of gradually increasing painful left parotid swelling. Examination revealed a well-defined 3 cm x 2 cm swelling over the lower pole of the left parotid gland. Fine needle aspiration cytology showed benign cells. Total parotidectomy was performed. Postoperatively she developed facial nerve palsy, from which she subsequently recovered. Histology revealed a schwannoma (neurilemmoma).

DISCUSSION

Schwannoma (neurilemmoma) is a slow-growing neurogenic tumour arising from Schwann cells. It occurs most commonly as a solitary and well-circumscribed tumour, and rarely involves the nerve trunk. In the salivary glands, it occurs most commonly in the parotid gland and less commonly in the submandibular gland. Benign forms are most common and malignant forms, though rare, have been reported.

Total parotidectomy with preservation of the facial nerve has been documented as being highly successful in the treatment of this rare neoplasm with no nerve function deficits. Recurrences are found to be rare in the benign forms.

There have been quite a few case reports of schwannomas, both benign and malignant, arising from the parotid gland. Though relatively uncommon, they should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of parotid tumours.

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