Affiliations 

  • 1 Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; National University of Malaysia, Faculty of Medicine, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • 2 Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; National University of Malaysia, Faculty of Medicine, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Electronic address: razif72@gmail.com
PMID: 33707119 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2021.01.006

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Neurofibromas are benign peripheral nerve sheath tumours. Hypoglossal nerve neurofibromas in cervical region are relatively rare, bilateral occurrence is extremely rare.

METHODS: A 32-year-old man with type 1 neurofibromatosis presented with bilateral neck masses. Magnetic resonance imaging showed parapharyngeal masses consistent with neurogenic tumours, most likely neurofibromas.

RESULTS: Surgical exploration through lateral cervical approach revealed unexpected finding of the tumour that arose from the hypoglossal nerve. The tumour had totally engulfed the nerve with no normal nerve fascicles identifiable, thus resected in toto. In the postoperative course, the patient developed right hypoglossal palsy and vocal fold palsy treated with augmentation of the paralysed vocal fold with temporary injection material.

CONCLUSIONS: The authors described a patient with type 1 neurofibromatosis with neurofibroma originating from cervical part of hypoglossal nerve. This paper discussed this rare condition and the management on how to improve the treatment outcome.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.