Neurofibromas are peripheral nerve sheath tumours that arise from peripheral nerve elements and are frequently seen in neurofibromatosis type 1. Neurofibromatosis type 1 is caused by a disruptive mutation in NF1 gene that codes for protein neurofibromin. In contrast to schwanommas, another type of tumor arising from schwann cells, neurofibromas incorporate many additional type of cells. Neurofibromas have invasive and angiogenic properties suggesting that these are genetically altered cells with tumourogenic properties [1] .

A 35-year-old lady presented to the otolaryngology outpatient department of our hospital with complaint of a painful swelling over the left pinna since past 6 months (Figure 1). It was insidious in onset and slowly increasing in size. There was no history of bleeding from the swelling and no history of such lesions elsewhere in the

body. There was no significant family history. Examination of pinna showed single 2 × 2 cm reddish brown swelling with an irregular surface seen on medial and lateral surface of the lobule. It was firm in consistency, tender, did not bleed on touch, and overlying skin was involved. Nose and throat examination was normal. There was no significant finding on systemic examination.

Fine needle aspiration cytology was suggestive of neurogenic tumour. The lesion was excised under local anesthesia with 0.5 cm margin of the healthy tissue and wound was closed primarily. The wound healed within a week (Figure 2). Histopathological examination showed a lesion composed of spindle shaped cells arranged in short fascicles, whorling and storiform patterns. Nuclei were ovoid to elongated, vesicular and show mild pleomorphism. No atypia or necrosis was seen. The lesion was infiltrating the dermal collagen and entrapping the skin appendages. Subcutaneous fat was free (Figure 3). On immunohistochemistry tumor cells were strongly positive for S-100, suggestive of neurofibroma (Figure 4).

Neurofibromatosis is one of the most common inherited disorders and can affect anyone, regardless of family history, race, gender or ethnic background [1] . There are two types of Neurofibromatosis, type 1 (NF1) and type 2 (NF2). Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a common autosomal dominant condition with high frequency of peripheral nerve sheath tumours called neurofibromas [1] . NF1 is caused by changes in gene carried on chromosome 17. There are two types of neurofibromas: Dermal and Plexiform. Dermal neurofibromas usually develop during

adolescence and adulthood. These small tumours involve terminal nerves and may be numerous, yet have no apparent risk of malignant transformation. In contrast, plexiform neurofibromas are usually congenital, typically involve deep or named nerves, can become very large and may cause serious functional impairment. Risk of malignant transformation is 6% in these tumours [2] .

Neurofibromas may occur in isolation or as a part of Von Recklinghausen’s syndrome in combination with café au lait skin patches, lisch’s nodules, axillary freckling and fibroma molluscum [2] . The disease may be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait with variable penetrance in 50% of patients or it may occur as a result of spontaneous mutation [3] .

Unlike schwanommas, which consist of schwann cells, neurofibromas show marked cellular heterogeneity. Nevertheless, schwann cells are major cell type amplified in neurofibromas and typically comprise 40% - 80% of tumour cells. Additionally, there is substantial population of interspersed fibroblastic or perineural cells, along with various vascular and imflammatory elements embedded in an extensive extracellular matrix. Because of this cellular heterogeneity histogenesis of neurofibromas has been controversial. In our case, immunohistochemistry showed tumour cells which were strongly positive for S-100 suggestive of neurofibroma.

The change in genetic material that causes NF1 and NF2 can be inherited or it may occur as a result of spontaneous mutations. In our patient, there was no family history.

Most tumours caused by NF need no treatment, but tumours that are painful, disfiguring, growing rapidly or impairing function need treatment. In main trunk neurofibroma, nerve autografting with interposition is therapy of choice with good chance of functional recuperation [3] . Large lesion may require reconstruction and elevation of pinna with dermal strips or marlex mesh [4] . Most often, the redistribution of local and adjacent tissue allows satisfactory reconstruction [5] . In our case we were able to achieve complete excise of the tumour and primary closure was achieved after rotation of surrounding tissue.

Shaida A.M. et al. [6] reported a case of pinna neurofibroma with otitis externa, hearing loss and cosmetic deformity. In our case cosmetic deformity and pain were the chief complaints and we were able to obtain a satisfactory result.

Neurofibromas are commonly seen in patients with neurofibromatosis. In a few cases of solitary neurofibroma, depending upon the size and site of lesion, complete excision of the tumour may be possible without causing significant functional and cosmetic deformity, as was achieved in our case.