title: Facial palsy as the initial symptom of a lymphoreticular malignancy. Case report.
abstract: In this case report an adult patient is described who initially manifested a peripheral facial palsy mimicking 'Bell's palsy', which later on appeared to be the first manifestation of a lymphoreticular malignancy. Cranial nerve involvement appears to be very rare as a first symptom of malignant systemic disease. The importance of additional investigations including lumbar puncture and CSF cytology in cases of facial nerve palsy is stressed.
mesh_terms: D003390:Cranial Nerve Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged