PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Stephen Bennett
AU  - Kristian Hutson
AU  - Olakunle Ajayi
AU  - Andreas Hilger
TI  - Nodular fasciitis of the parotid gland engulfing the facial nerve: a conservative approach
AID  - 10.1136/bcr-2019-231203
DP  - 2019 Oct 01
TA  - BMJ Case Reports
PG  - e231203
VI  - 12
IP  - 10
4099  - http://casereports.bmj.com/content/12/10/e231203.short
4100  - http://casereports.bmj.com/content/12/10/e231203.full
SO  - BMJ Case Reports2019 Oct 01; 12
AB  - Nodular fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly growing benign lesion rarely reported in the parotid gland. It shares cytological features with other benign and malignant parotid neoplasms and may be difficult to diagnose based on fine needle aspiration cytology alone. Given this diagnostic conundrum, surgical excision for histology is recommended to facilitate definitive diagnosis. A case with significant involvement of the facial nerve is described, which has not previously been reported in the literature. Despite features of potential malignancy, the decision was taken to biopsy the lesion and not proceed to complete excision in an attempt to reduce the risk of facial nerve injury. Expert opinion later diagnosed NF. Contrary to accepted practice, where diagnostic uncertainty remains around the malignant potential of a lesion, risks and benefits of complete excision versus a conservative approach should be carefully weighed especially when the facial nerve is involved and NF is a possible diagnosis.