Facial palsy following fine needle aspiration biopsy of parotid hemangioma: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

We present here a case of cavernous hemangioma of the parotid which presented as an acute emergency with sudden pain, trismus and swelling. The patient subsequently developed a complete lower motor neuron facial palsy a few hours after a fine needle aspiration biopsy was performed. Total parotidectomy with preservation of the facial nerve relieved the patient of all his symptoms with complete recovery of facial function in six weeks.