Neurilemmomas of the facial nerve presenting as parotid tumors

Two cases of rare benign facial neurilemmomas are presented. In both cases the only complaint was a parotid mass and both patients had normal facial function. The true nature of the tumors was not discovered before operation. Repeated fine-needle aspiration biopsy did not contribute to a correct preoperative diagnosis. In both instances the facial nerve had to be sacrificed and free autogenous nerve grafting was done.