Facial nerve paralysis secondary to benign parotid tumor

Abstract

THE PRESENCE of facial nerve paralysis associated with an ipsilateral parotid mass is almost pathognomonic of parotid malignancy. This constant association has prompted such authorities as Anderson and Byars1to consider facial paralysis in this setting as the only certain diagnostic sign of malignancy. Indeed, a review of the recent literature has revealed only one case of partial facial nerve dysfunction caused by a mixed tumor of the gland. In that case, mentioned by Ward and Hendrick,2a partial paralysis of those muscles supplied by the lower branches of the facial nerve resulted from trauma to a grapefruit-size benign mixed tumor, caused by a hemorrhage into the neoplasm. Frazell,3in a review of 877 cases of salivary gland tumors at the Memorial Hospital, found facial palsy to be a not uncommon presenting symptom in those patients with parotid malignancy, but, in no instance could it be linked