Solitary Neurofibroma of the Lateral Canthal Region of the Face Masquerading as a Lipoma – A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Solitary neurofibromas of the maxillofacial region are extremely rare and there are no cases reported in literature so far, overlying the lateral canthus region of the face. This case report aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological presentation of this lesion and our experience in its management. Methods: We illustrate a rare solitary neurofibroma in a 50 year old female overlying the left lateral canthus region of her face. A computed tomography described the lesion to be well-circumscribed without causing any bony changes, suggestive of a benign soft tissue pathology. The lesion was enucleated in toto under local anesthesia. Results: Histopathological analysis revealed interlacing bundles of elongated cells with wavy and dark-stained nuclei, wire-like strands of collagen and immuno-histochemical positivity with S-100 protein, which are the hallmarks of a neurofibroma. Conclusions: Based on our experience, the importance of a thorough clinical and radiological investigation in the management of such lesions cannot be over-emphasized. The patient remained free of recurrence on a one year follow up period.