Facial Nerve Tumor or Pleomorphic Adenoma How to Tell the Difference

 


A little, painless bump is near your ear. Could it be serious? Don't worry—those lumps are usually harmless. Some are difficult to distinguish. Consider salivary gland pleomorphic adenomas and facial nerve tumors. Both begin as painless growths in similar places. Even doctors have trouble distinguishing them! Luckily, you should recognize crucial differences. Understanding those can reassure you or suggest more tests. Read on to determine if that lump near your ear is a benign pleomorphic adenoma or a malignant facial nerve tumor.

Main Differences Facial Nerve Tumours with Pleomorphic Adenomas

Pleomorphic adenomas, parotid tumor and facial nerve tumors can produce parotid gland enlargement, although there are some crucial differences.

Location

Facial nerve tumors frequently form along the facial nerve, inside the parotid gland, or where it exits the skull. Pleomorphic adenomas form within the parotid gland. The facial nerve does not cause them.

Affected nerves

Due to nerve compression, facial nerve tumors often induce facial muscle weakness or paralysis. The facial nerve and facial muscle function are usually unaffected by pleomorphic adenomas. Large pleomorphic adenomas might compress the facial nerve.

Growth

Facial nerve tumors grow quickly and are usually malignant. Pleomorphic adenomas are benign tumors that grow slowly over the years. Rarely, pleomorphic adenomas can become malignant.

Treatment

Facial nerve tumors are routinely removed surgically, including part of the nerve. Radiotherapy is another option. Surgery to remove pleomorphic adenomas from the parotid gland is usual. Local facial nerves are frequently unaffected.

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

What Is Parotid Tumor and Importance of Surgery

Image
The human body is a marvel, intricately composed of various organs and tissues. The parotid gland, one of the major salivary glands, plays a vital role in saliva production. However, when a tumor develops within this gland, it can give rise to a condition known as a parotid tumor. These growths, though mostly benign, require attention and often necessitate surgical intervention for several reasons. Parotid tumor surgery is done by professional surgeons.  Primarily, a parotid tumor can manifest as a lump or swelling near the jaw or ear. While most parotid tumors are noncancerous, there's a possibility of malignancy. Thus, prompt medical evaluation is crucial to determine the nature of the tumor. Surgical removal is often recommended to address parotid tumors. The significance of surgery lies in the accurate diagnosis of the tumor, ensuring its complete elimination and preventing potential complications. An Experienced Surgeon Performs Parotid Tumor Surgery  Parotid tumor surgery is
Read more