[Extra-temporal localized facial neuromas]

Nine facial nerve schwannomas were observed in more than 1,350 operations on the parotid gland. Eight patients had a pre-operative diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma without facial palsy. One patient who underwent extensive surgery without preservation of the facial nerve for a tumour present for more than 10 years had a pre-operative facial palsy. Facial nerve function recovered totally or partially in six peripheral schwannomas. In two cases with main trunk schwannoma no reinnervation was observed despite end-to-end anastomosis or interposition of the great auricular nerve. Histology showed eight typical schwannomas and one neurofibroma. Neurofibromas are extremely rare in the parotid gland. Clinical and operative experience with parotid gland schwannomas shows that recovery of facial nerve defects is mostly incomplete. Reconstructive methods should be used, but the long-term prognosis is uncertain.