Facial Nerve Paralysis due to a Pleomorphic Adenoma with the Imaging Characteristics of a Facial Nerve Schwannoma
- Resource Type
- article
- Authors
- Marc-Elie Nader; Diana Bell; Erich M. Sturgis; Lawrence E. Ginsberg; Paul W. Gidley
- Source
- Journal of Neurological Surgery Reports, Vol 75, Iss 01, Pp e84-e88 (2014)
- Subject
- pleomorphic adenoma
facial nerve paralysis
schwannoma
benign
salivary gland tumor
Surgery
RD1-811
Neurology. Diseases of the nervous system
RC346-429
- Language
- English
- ISSN
- 2193-6358
2193-6366
Abstract Background Facial nerve paralysis in a patient with a salivary gland mass usually denotes malignancy. However, facial paralysis can also be caused by benign salivary gland tumors. Methods We present a case of facial nerve paralysis due to a benign salivary gland tumor that had the imaging characteristics of an intraparotid facial nerve schwannoma. Results The patient presented to our clinic 4 years after the onset of facial nerve paralysis initially diagnosed as Bell palsy. Computed tomography demonstrated filling and erosion of the stylomastoid foramen with a mass on the facial nerve. Postoperative histopathology showed the presence of a pleomorphic adenoma. Facial paralysis was thought to be caused by extrinsic nerve compression. Conclusions This case illustrates the difficulty of accurate preoperative diagnosis of a parotid gland mass and reinforces the concept that facial nerve paralysis in the context of salivary gland tumors may not always indicate malignancy.