Melanotic schwannoma of the parotid gland in a child: a rare diagnostic challenge

Ahmad Shukri, fatin Aisya and Razak, Mohd Azfar and Nik Abdul Ghani, Nik Mohd Syukra and M. Rajet, Khairul Azhar and Johari, Ahmad Hafizuddin and Mohammad Azmi, Siti Norhafiza (2025) Melanotic schwannoma of the parotid gland in a child: a rare diagnostic challenge. Visual Journal of Emergency Medicine, 40. pp. 1-3. E-ISSN 2405-4690

	PDF - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (5MB) | Request a copy
	PDF - Supplemental Material Restricted to Repository staff only Download (171kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Melanotic schwannoma is an exceptionally rare variant of nerve sheath tumors characterized by melanin-producing Schwann cells, accounting for less than 1% of all such tumors. Its occurrence in the pediatric population, especially within the parotid gland, is exceedingly uncommon and poses significant diagnostic challenges due to its clinical and histological overlap with other pigmented neoplasms. We present the case of a 12-year-old boy with a three-month history of a painless, progressively enlarging swelling at the left mandibular angle, initially misdiagnosed as parotiditis. Despite empirical antibiotic therapy, the mass persisted, prompting further investigation. Imaging revealed a well-defined mass in the superficial lobe of the left parotid gland, and surgical excision via total parotidectomy with selective neck dissection was performed. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of melanotic schwannoma, with typical spindle to epithelioid cell morphology and abundant intracytoplasmic melanin. Given the potential for aggressive behavior and recurrence, close multidisciplinary follow-up was instituted. This case highlights the importance of considering rare neoplasms in atypical pediatric parotid masses and underscores the need for comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, including histopathological evaluation and long-term surveillance, to optimize outcomes.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Melanotic shwannoma Malignancy Spindle epitheliod cell
Subjects:	R Medicine > R Medicine (General) R Medicine > RD Surgery > RD93 Emergency Surgery. Wounds and Injuries R Medicine > RF Otorhinolaryngology
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Medicine Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Depositing User:	Dr Hafizuddin Johari
Date Deposited:	04 Aug 2025 16:55
Last Modified:	04 Aug 2025 16:55
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/122401

Actions (login required)

View Item