Preoperative Challenges in Managing Intraparotid Schwannoma

Schwannomas are a benign and rare entity that originates from Schwann cells. The majority of schwannomas are found in the head and neck regions and usually involve the intratemporal course of the facial nerve (FN). Isolated extratemporal intraparotid involvement is very rare. It is very challenging to diagnose intraparotid facial nerve schwannoma (PFNS) based on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) preoperatively. We report a case of an intraparotid facial nerve schwannoma masquerading as pleomorphic adenoma. The diagnostic challenges and imaging features along with its management are discussed.