Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer
19:53

Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer

Published on: March 1, 2015

[Infected parotid cyst as a cause of facial palsy]

E Gaio1, G Marioni, S Maria Ferraro

  • 1Universitäts-HNO-Klinik Würzburg.

Laryngo- Rhino- Otologie
|January 31, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Facial palsy can rarely be caused by benign parotid gland cysts. This case highlights that inflamed parotid cysts, not just malignancy, can lead to facial nerve dysfunction.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Neurology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Peripheral facial palsy is uncommon, with inflammatory causes being rare.
  • Massive infections typically do not cause facial nerve dysfunction.
  • Only eight cases of facial paralysis linked to parotid cysts exist in literature.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with facial palsy attributed to an inflamed parotid gland cyst.
  • The patient underwent surgery with an initial diagnosis of malignant parotid tumor.
  • Pathological examination revealed a squamous epithelial cyst with significant lymphocytic infiltration.

Findings:

  • The inflamed parotid cyst was the cause of the patient's facial palsy.
  • Histopathology confirmed a benign squamous epithelial cyst, not a malignant tumor.
  • The cyst exhibited extensive lymphocytic infiltration, indicating an inflammatory process.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider benign parotid gland diseases as a cause of facial nerve dysfunction.
  • Facial palsy in conjunction with parotid gland lesions is often indicative of malignancy, but exceptions exist.
  • This case broadens the differential diagnosis for facial palsy, emphasizing inflammatory cysts.

More Related Videos

Facial Nerve Surgery in the Rat Model to Study Axonal Inhibition and Regeneration05:04

Facial Nerve Surgery in the Rat Model to Study Axonal Inhibition and Regeneration

Published on: May 5, 2020

Lateral Molar Approach-Driven Transoral Endoscopic Procedure for Benign Infratemporal Fossa Tumor Resection04:04

Lateral Molar Approach-Driven Transoral Endoscopic Procedure for Benign Infratemporal Fossa Tumor Resection

Published on: August 15, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Poliomyelitis01:17

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...