Neurinoma of the Submandibular Space

Abstract

Objective: Describe an uncommon lesion of the submandibular space.

Method: We describe the surgical approach to a submandibular mass in a young boy.

Results: The patient had a preoperative evaluation with a ultrasound examination that showed a well-defined, disomogeneous lesion of 50 × 36 × 36 mm of the left submandibular region. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a lesion of the submandibular space, extended to the left parapharyngeal space. This lesion had disomogeneous enhancement and a diameter of 6 cm. The patient underwent a fine needle aspiration cytology of the lesion that resulted compatible with a pleomorphic adenoma.The patient underwent the surgical excision of the lesion.The lesion occupied the left parapharyngeal space. The histological examination defined the lesion as a neurinoma of the parapharyngeal space.

Conclusion: A neurinoma of the parapharyngeal space should be considered in the evaluation of the submandibular masses.