Combined transcervical transmastoid approach to giant parotid pleomorphic adenoma: a case report

Although rare, giant major salivary gland pleomorphic adenomas are among the most astonishing patient presentations. Patients may ignore these slow-growing, benign lesions until significant functional impairment occurs. Complete tumor excision and facial nerve preservation in these cases are challenging requirements and are greatly aided by combined transcervical and transmastoid approaches to these lesions. In the presented case, facial nerve monitoring accurately identified the collateralization between the upper and lower divisions of the facial nerve and allowed the required sacrifice of the lower division without the need for facial nerve grafting or reconstruction. The patient recovered full function of all branches.