An Exceptional Case of Intraparotid Plexiform Neurofibroma Originating from Autonomic Fibers of the Auriculotemporal Nerve

Figure 2

Longitudinal right-side parotid swelling, approximately 3 cm in diameter. The lesion induced serious facial disfigurement and asymmetry (a). Through surgical exploration the lesion was found to be strictly adherent to the main trunk of the facial nerve and longstanding compression had moved the division to temporofacial and cervicofacial branches far more anteriorly than expected. The mass did not, however, originate from the facial nerve, allowing complete resection while preserving neural function (b).

(a)

(b)