Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 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

[Facial nerve palsy due to a benign parotid gland tumor]

M Grosheva1, M Ortmann, D Beutner

  • 1Klinik und Poliklinik für HNO-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie der Uniklinik Köln. maria.grosheva@uk-koeln.de

HNO
|July 8, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Facial nerve palsy can stem from benign parotid gland tumors like Warthin's tumor. Even non-cancerous growths can cause significant facial nerve dysfunction.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Otolaryngology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Facial nerve palsy is infrequently linked to inflammatory parotid gland conditions.
  • Parotid gland tumors, though often benign, can present with neurological complications.

Observation:

  • A case of peripheral facial palsy was observed, originating from an infected cystadenolymphoma of the parotid gland.
  • The facial nerve paresis rapidly worsened despite antibiotic treatment and decreasing inflammation.

Findings:

  • Histological examination confirmed Warthin's tumor with necrotic changes as the cause.
  • Facial nerve palsy persisted for four months post-surgery (total parotidectomy).

Implications:

  • This case highlights that benign parotid tumors can precipitate facial nerve palsy.
  • It underscores the importance of considering neoplastic processes in facial nerve paralysis, even in the absence of malignant indicators.

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