Parapharyngeal Neurofibroma Originating From The Vagus Nerve In A Patient With Von Recklinghausen′s Disease

• Main Authors: Das Nillay Kanti, Mishra Saibal, Saha Somnath
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2004-01-01
• Series: Indian Journal of Dermatology
• Online Access: http://www.e-ijd.org/article.asp?issn=0019-5154;year=2004;volume=49;issue=4;spage=194;epage=197;aulast=Das;type=0

A case of unilateral parapharyngeal neurofibroma occurring in a 25 year old female with von Recklinghausenâ€s disease is discussed in this report because of the rarity of such a condition. Parapharyngeal neurofibroma usually arises from the vagus nerve and very rarely they are associated with von Recklinghausenâ€s disease or Neurofibroamatosis type 1. It typically presents with a longâ€"standing history of throat/neck mass with/without neurological deficit. CT scan reveals a moderately enhancing mass, occasionally with central necrosis or cavitations. This, together with spindle shaped cells seen on aspiration cytology, if done, strongly suggests a neurofibroma and excision of the tumor is the treatment of choice. In this patient no sign of malignancy was detected and the two year followâ€"up period was uneventful.