title: Perineural invasion of the facial nerve by a cutaneous squamous cell cancer: a case report.
abstract: We report a case of perineural invasion of the facial nerve by a cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in a 59-year-old man who presented with a slowly progressive facial paralysis. We performed a distal facial nerve dissection and a simple mastoidectomy with facial recess exposure for resection to negative margins. We also performed a simultaneous facial reconstruction and reanimation procedure with excellent results. External-beam radiation completed the treatment regimen. In addition to describing this case, we review current concepts in diagnosis and therapy, as well as the historical background of malignant perineural invasion of the cranial nerves.
authors.affiliation: Section of Otolaryngology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St., Box 208041, New Haven, CT 06520-8041, USA. DJL115@hotmail.com
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Lesnik
authors.forename: Howard P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Boey
mesh_terms: D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005153:Facial Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness