A rare case study of a retropharyngeal neurofibroma and a brief literature review

IntroductionSpace occupying lesions in the retropharyngeal space are rare.Case reportHere, we present a rare case of a retropharyngeal neurofibroma treated surgically through an open cervical approach without any complication.DiscussionNeurofibromas are benign, slowly growing neoplasms that could be associated or not with neurofibromatosis. They are derived from peripheral nerves. Diagnostic work-up should include CT-scan and MRI as well as a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment of localized and diffuse neurofibromas is often surgical resection, which may require sacrifice of the nerve. Malignant transformation of these lesions, without association to NF-1, is rare and exceptionally documented in the literature.ConclusionWe presented a rare case of solitary neurofibroma of the retropharyngeal space. Complete resection of the lesion was performed without any complication. We also presented a brief review of the literature about neurofibromas.