New-onset facial paralysis and undiagnosed recurrence of cutaneous malignancy: evaluation and management

Scurry, W. Cooper; Isaacson, Jon E.; Fedok, Fred G.

doi:10.1016/j.amjoto.2005.07.017

« Previous Next »American Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Medicine and Surgery
Volume 27, Issue 2 , Pages 139-142, March 2006

New-onset facial paralysis and undiagnosed recurrence of cutaneous malignancy: evaluation and management

This paper was presented at the Pennsylvania Academy of Otolaryngology Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, Pa, on June 11 to 12, 2004.

Division of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA

Received 11 March 2005

Abstract

Perineural invasion of cranial nerves, including the facial nerve by squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, is a poor prognostic factor for recurrent disease and disease-specific mortality. We discuss 2 patients who presented to the Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery service with complete facial nerve paralysis and a history of skin cancer. Based on our experience with these patients, we recommend that patients who present with facial nerve paralysis and a history of cutaneous malignancy undergo aggressive management including early intervention and complete exploration of the facial nerve from the geniculate ganglion out to the periphery. Such rigorous care achieves the best possible oncologic outcomes for a proven aggressive disease.