Perspectives on craniofacial asymmetry. III. Common and/or well-known causes of asymmetry

Abstract

Mandibular asymmetry may be caused by infection or trauma. Unilateral facial paralysis has many causes and Bell's palsy, which is idiopathic, is the most common type. Asymmetric muscle involvement is discussed, including the masseter, temporalis, depressor anguli oris, extraocular, and sternocleidomastoid muscles. Tumors that present asymmetrically are also considered, including the juvenile hemangioma, lymphangioma, osteoma, embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, and Burkitt's lymphoma. Finally, some miscellaneous conditions are discussed, including fibrous dysplasia, mucus retention phenomenon, electrical burns of the mouth, and cancrum oris.