Primary First Bite Syndrome of the Parotid Gland: Case Report and Literature Review

A case of primary first bite syndrome (FBS), diagnosed in a patient with nonspecific adenocarcinoma of the deep lobe of the parotid gland.

A Medline literature search was conducted on PubMed, using the keywords "first bite syndrome."

Using primary FBS and existence of a definite etiology as inclusion criteria.

We report on an unusual case of primary FBS, which had no surgical history. After multiple examinations, the pain was localized to a mass in the deep lobe of the parotid gland. After tumorectomy, the FBS pain was significantly relieved. The postoperative pathological examination determined that the excised mass was a nonspecific adenocarcinoma. Reviewing the literature, we found that primary FBS was mostly caused by malignant tumors in the inferior temporal fossa, the deep lobe of the parotid gland, and (or) the parapharyngeal space. Surgery was reported to be an effective treatment.

The case highlights the critical importance of identifying the etiology of primary FBS. When manifested with a primary FBS, malignant tumors must be high on the differential diagnosis list, especially those in the region of the inferior temporal fossa, the deep lobe of the parotid gland, and the parapharyngeal space.