What You Need To Know About Facial Cancer

Facial Nerve-

Of the 12 cranial nerves the facial nerve is the seventh nerve.Its runs through the head and neck area and serves two functions- motor and sensory. That is, it is responsible for some of the taste sensations as well as for producing certain facial expressions.Both sides of the face have a facial nerve running through them.

Facial Nerve Cancer-

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth or division of cells anywhere in the body. Cancer related to the facial nerve is rare but is being researched for more and more in order to avoid future prevalence.

The tumor can arise either directly from the nerve itself or due to a malignant tumor in the neighbouring contents. The latter includes skin cancer, cancer of the parotid gland or any mucosal cancer, although rare.

Diagnosis and clinical symptoms-

The patient might present with any or all of the following symptoms-

• Facial Weakness

• Facial Paralysis (Partial or complete)

• Hearing loss

• Balance loss

• Local pain

These are attributed to the functions of the facial nerve and it’s 5 main branches. In cases of a malignant tumor with a wider extent, other symptoms may be indicated.

A biopsy should reveal accurate results.CT scan and MRI imaging are recommended.

Therapy and Prognosis-

The treatment and prognosis of Facial Nerve Tumors depends on the size, location and cause of the tumor and whether it is benign or malignant.

The cancer that is arising from the nerve itself, i.eSchwannomas (including Schwann cells) or Hemangiomas (involving vessels) may be treated with the general procedures in such cases. This will involve surgery, radiation therapy, etc.

Resection of a part of the facial nerve is what is done in the surgical treatment. This however may render some important functions of the nerve scathed. Such functions won’t be as effective as they used to be.

If the growth can be stopped with radiation, it is a much more preferable route.

Location: 9735 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90212, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Know About the Parotid and Facelift

Image
The parotid glands are integral to the success of facelift surgery. Surgeons are increasingly recognizing their importance in achieving aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting results. When considering a facelift, it's essential to choose a qualified surgeon who understands the delicate balance between facial rejuvenation and preserving the functionality of these vital glands. This symbiotic relationship between parotid glands and facelift surgery underscores the importance of both artistry and medical expertise in the world of cosmetic enhancements. The close relationship between parotid glands and facelifts goes beyond surgical technique. Parotid glands play a pivotal role in maintaining facial volume and preventing a sunken appearance with aging. They produce saliva, which contains essential proteins and enzymes that nourish the skin and underlying tissues. Aging and sagging skin can compromise the parotid glands' functionality, resulting in volume loss and hollowing of the
Read more

Salivary Gland Tumor – Know The Causes And Symptoms

Image
Salivary gland tumor, a rare tumor type, often starts in the salivary glands – mainly in any of the salivary glands in your mouth, neck or throat. Salivary glands play a pivotal role in making saliva that aids in digestion and keeps your mouth moist as well as supports healthy teeth. It is a type of head and neck cancer that involves abnormal or malignant growth of salivary gland cells. Older age, radiation therapy to head and neck and exposure to cancer-causing chemicals at work may increase the possibility of salivary gland tumor. There are various signs that indicate patient is suffering from salivary gland tumor. Lump or swelling in your mouth, check, jaw and neck, pain in your mouth, check, jaw, ear or neck that doesn’t go away, a difference between the size and/or shape of the left and right side of your face or neck and numbness in part of your face, etc are some of the common signs of salivary gland tumor. In that case, you need to consult immediately with your p
Read more

How Long Does It Take To Recover From Parotid Tumor Surgery?

Image
A parotidectomy and facelift is the surgical removal of the parotid gland. Typically, this procedure will be performed by a head and neck surgeon. Each patient recovers from parotidectomy at a different pace. Many patients can begin walking and mild exercise a couple of weeks after surgery. Several days after surgery, most patients have difficulty chewing and swallowing. Usually, this should heal within three to four months after trauma to the facial nerve tumor . Ice packs applied to the surgical wound help reduce swelling for 4-5 days following surgery. You should consult the surgeon if you are experiencing any numbness in the frontal part of the operated ear. The procedure of parotidectomy is performed. There are two lobes of the parotid gland: the superficial lobe and the deep lobe. There are two kinds of parotidectomy: shallow and deep. Superficial Parotidectomy: Surgery that removes a skin tumor from the superficial lobe. Total parotidectomy: Removing the entire deep lobe or both
Read more