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Parotid abscess: an unusual cause of facial nerve palsy

Y Noorizan1, Y K Chew, A Khir

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Bandar Tun Razak 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. noorizan_yahya@yahoo.com

The Medical Journal of Malaysia
|January 12, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Facial nerve palsy typically suggests parotid gland cancer. However, this case highlights the rare complication of facial nerve dysfunction due to a deep parotid abscess, excluding malignancy.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Neurology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Facial nerve palsy (FNP) in the presence of a parotid mass is often indicative of malignancy.
  • Parotid abscesses are uncommon causes of FNP.
  • Previous literature reports only 16 cases of FNP associated with suppurative parotitis or parotid abscess.

Observation:

  • A case of deep parotid abscess presenting with facial nerve dysfunction is described.
  • The patient exhibited symptoms of FNP secondary to the abscess.
  • Diagnostic workup excluded any underlying neoplastic process.

Findings:

  • Deep parotid abscess can lead to facial nerve dysfunction.
  • This presentation is exceedingly rare, with limited documented cases.
  • Malignancy was ruled out as the cause of FNP in this instance.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering infectious etiologies like parotid abscess in FNP, even with a parotid mass.
  • Underscores the need for prompt diagnosis and management of parotid abscesses to prevent neurological complications.
  • Contributes to the limited understanding of non-neoplastic causes of FNP in the context of parotid pathology.

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