Preauricular facial nerve neurilemmoma in a paediatric patient. A Case report

SUMMARY: Neurilemmomas, also known as schwannomas,are benign tumours of neurogenic origin. They are usually asymptomatic encapsulated tumours, composed of Schwann nerve sheath cells, which multiply and form the tumour, pushing the axons aside.The aim of this paper is to present a case of neurilemmoma of the preauricular region in a 13-year old patient, and review the relevant literature. Case report: A 13-year-old female patient presented with a round, elastic and relatively mobile painless swelling in the left preauricular region, which was 4cm in diameter. Biopsy results indicated a benign tumour of neurogenic origin or a nodular fasciitis, which was then removed surgically through a preauricular incision, in healthy margins and without any intra or postoperative complications. Histological examination of the lesion revealed a neurilemmoma (of ancient type). The tumour’s rare origin and location, as well as the patient’s young age make this case noteworthy.