Case Report
An occult MRI-negative primary parotid melanoma masquerading as an atypical Bell’s palsy: a surgical case report
Authors:
James Davies,
Department of Plastic Surgery, Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, GB
Fawaz Al-Hassani ,
Department of Plastic Surgery, Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, 32 Firdene Road, Surbiton KT5 9 QG, GB
About Fawaz
MBCH, MRCS, MSC
Charles Nduka,
Department of Plastic Surgery, Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, GB
About Charles
FRCS Plast
Ruben Y. Kannan
Department of Plastic Surgery, Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, GB
About Ruben Y.
FRCS Plast
Abstract
In this case, reported in line with the SCARE criteria, we describe an acute facial palsy, presenting in a similar manner to Bell’s palsy, albeit with minor differences. Although clinical suspicion for malignancy was raised and gold standard serological and radiologic tests were requested, no abnormalities were found preoperatively. However, as a prelude to a planned babysitter procedure, as the facial nerve was explored, multiple masses were found in both the superficial and deep lobes of the parotid gland. This was later proven to be a malignant melanoma tumor. On review of literature, it is evident that although rare, about 1% of parotid cancers can present with facial paralysis as the sole symptom. Rarer still, is the underlying etiology; primary parotid melanoma in this case, which carries a very poor prognosis. On the basis of this, we propose extra vigilance when dealing with such cases and suggest a clinical protocol for use to aid diagnosis and subsequent surgical management.
How to Cite:
Davies J, Al-Hassani F, Nduka C, Kannan RY. An occult MRI-negative primary parotid melanoma masquerading as an atypical Bell’s palsy: a surgical case report. International Journal of Surgery: Oncology. 2018;3(2):e54. DOI: http://doi.org/10.1097/IJ9.0000000000000054
Published on
02 Jan 2018.
Peer Reviewed
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