Can Tumors Cause Facial Paralysis? Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

Although infections, traumas or nerve inflammations are the first things that come to mind when it comes to facial paralysis, in some cases the underlying cause may be a tumor. Tumors, especially in the head and neck region, located close to the anatomical structures through which the nerves pass, can prevent the facial muscles from working by pressing or directly damaging the facial nerve. In this case, facial paralysis often starts slowly but spreads rapidly. At this point, if you want to get detailed information and benefit from early diagnosis and treatment, you can take a look at our content. In this way, you can learn the types of tumors that can cause facial paralysis, how these tumors are diagnosed and what treatment methods are applied.

What is Cancer-Related Facial Paralysis?

Cancer-related facial paralysis usually develops when tumors in the head and neck, especially in areas where the facial nerve passes, damage the facial nerve. This type of paralysis can be caused by tumors directly compressing the nerve or by metastases in the tissues around the nerve. In this case, head and neck cancers, parotid gland cancers, acoustic neuromas and some head and neck tumors can cause facial paralysis. In addition, surgical interventions, radiotherapy or chemotherapy during cancer treatment cause damage to the facial nerves, leading to facial paralysis. For this reason, various techniques and rehabilitation programs should be applied in order for the facial muscles affected by paralysis to work again.

Which Tumors Cause Facial Paralysis?

Many types of tumors can cause facial paralysis. Therefore, tumors that cause facial paralysis vary. In line with this scope, the types of tumors that cause facial paralysis are as follows;

• Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma):

An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor that develops from the vestibular nerve and is usually located in the lower part of the brain, at the junction of the inner ear and the nerve pathways in the brain. This type of tumor can press on the facial nerve because it passes close to the estibular nerve. In this case, as the nerves are damaged, the motor function that controls the movement of the facial muscles can be affected and facial paralysis can occur. In this case, acoustic neuroma should be diagnosed and treated at an early stage. Otherwise, facial paralysis may progress and become permanent.

• Parotid Gland Cancers:

The parotid gland is the largest salivary gland in the head and neck and cancers that develop here can seriously affect the facial nerve. In this context, parotid gland cancers are usually located in the parotid gland through which the facial nerve passes, and since the facial nerve passes through this parotid gland, cancerous tumors can compress this nerve. As a result, facial nerves may be damaged and facial paralysis may occur. For this reason, a comprehensive treatment method should be applied to prevent such situations.

• Head and Neck Cancers:

Head and neck cancers usually occur in areas such as the mouth, nose, pharynx (pharynx) and larynx (larynx). Since these tumors affect the facial nerve in the head and neck region, they cause facial paralysis. Cancers, especially in the head and neck region, can cause facial paralysis more often because they are not treated early. In this context, care should be taken in diagnostic processes and a treatment roadmap should be drawn accordingly.

• Meningioma:

Meningioma is a benign tumor that develops on the membranes of the brain (meninges). This type of tumor usually occurs in the tissues surrounding the spinal cord. Meningiomas can cause facial paralysis by pressing on the facial nerve, especially if they develop close to the temporal region. Therefore, this type of tumor should be treated directly as soon as it is discovered. Otherwise, the severity of facial paralysis may increase.

• Nasopharyngeal Cancers:

Nasopharyngeal cancers are cancers in the area called the nasopharynx, which is at the junction of the nose and throat. Since this type of tumor develops very close to the areas where the facial nerve passes, it causes facial paralysis by pressing on the nerve. In this context, nasopharyngeal cancers generally cause facial paralysis symptoms such as loss of facial expression, sagging mouth, and drooping eyelids.

• Basal Cell Cancers:

Basal cell cancers, another type of tumor causing facial paralysis, are one of the most common types of skin cancers and usually occur in the skin structure in the head and neck region. These basal cell cancers can cause paralysis by directly affecting the facial nerve, or they can impair the function of facial muscles by pressing on the nerve. In addition, although basal cell cancers are usually localized, they can spread to surrounding tissues when left untreated. Therefore, basal cell cancers can be controlled by early treatment.

Symptoms of Cancer-Related Facial Paralysis

There are certain symptoms of cancer-related facial paralysis. These symptoms vary from person to person and may vary depending on the location and size of the tumor and the degree of pressure on the nerve. At this point, the symptoms of cancer-related facial paralysis are as follows;

• Visible facial asymmetries
• Loss of facial expressions that will affect the social life of the person
• Sudden sagging in the mouth
• Eyelid drooping
• Sudden loss of taste
• Pain or numbness around the ear
• Significant decreases in salivation
• Eye irritation or dryness

What is Facial Paralysis under Radical Parotidectomy?

Radical parotidectomy is a surgical procedure usually performed for cancers or other tumors of the parotid gland. During this surgery, the aim is to remove the entire parotid gland. This aims to completely remove the tumor and preserve the surrounding tissues. However, since the parotid gland is the area where the facial nerve passes, this nerve can be directly affected during surgery. Therefore, even if there is a slight possibility after radical parotidectomy, weakening of facial muscles, asymmetry and loss of mimic movements may occur. In order to prevent this situation, different treatment options such as nerve repair, muscle transfers or botulinum toxin should be applied.

Diagnosis of Tumor Induced Facial Paralysis

Early diagnosis is very important in tumor-induced paralysis. Because early diagnosis and intervention preserves the healing potential of the nerve and can prevent permanent damage. At this point, tumor-related facial paralysis diagnosis methods are as follows;

• Clinical Evaluation: The initial diagnosis of facial paralysis is usually made by clinical examination based on weakness and asymmetry in the facial muscles. At this stage, the doctor tries to understand which part of the facial nerve is affected by assessing the patient's facial movements and muscle function. The time of onset of paralysis, the course of symptoms and the patient's medical history are also taken into account.
• Imaging Methods: An MRI is then used to examine the location and size of the tumor and its effect on the facial nerve. This confirms whether the facial paralysis is caused by a tumor. Afterwards, in order to analyze the bone structures in more detail, the area through which the facial nerve passes, such as the temporal bone and parotid gland, is examined with the CT system and tumor areas are discovered.
• Biopsy: After imaging methods have been performed, a biopsy may be performed to determine the exact type of tumor. This is an important step to confirm the presence of malignant (cancerous) tumors. Therefore, suspicious masses identified after the biopsy are removed.
• Blood Tests: Finally, some blood tests are performed to determine the degree of cancer spread and whether the tumors have metastasized. If there is no metastasis after these tests, the patient can return to social life. If there are metastases, additional treatments may be applied.

Treatment Methods for Tumor Induced Facial Paralysis

There are certain treatment methods for facial paralysis caused by a tumor. These treatment methods may differ according to the degree of damage to the facial nerve, the type, size, location and extent of the tumor. For this reason, the treatment process must be planned by a multidisciplinary team and tailored individually. Otherwise, the desired results may not be achieved. Therefore, you can visit our facial paralysis treatment options page for more detailed information.

If you want to get detailed information about facial paralysis due to tumor, you can contact Doctor Be and his team immediately.