Transoral Robotic Resection of Glossopharyngeal Neurofibroma: A Case Report

This case highlights the diagnostic challenges posed by rare oropharyngeal neurofibromas, their potential to mimic other conditions, and the novel application of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for the management of an oropharyngeal neurofibroma. A 47-year-old female presented with a 1-year history of a left tonsillar mass. Clinical evaluation, imaging, and biopsy results were inconclusive but raised suspicion for a neoplasm. The patient underwent robotic-assisted tonsillectomy and mass resection. Subsequent histopathological evaluation confirmed a benign spindle cell tumor consistent with neurofibroma. Oropharyngeal neurofibromas may present diagnostic challenges due to their resemblance to common tonsillar pathologies. Imaging and biopsies may not always provide definitive diagnoses, necessitating surgical excision for accurate characterization. This case demonstrates the utility of TORS, offering improved visualization and access while minimizing patient morbidity.