[Facial nerve palsy due to a benign parotid gland tumor].

Facial nerve palsy is rarely associated with an inflammatory parotid process. We present a case of peripheral facial palsy initiated by infection of a cystadenolymphoma of the parotid gland. The paresis progressed rapidly despite abating inflammation and 48-h antibiotic therapy. Following total parotidectomy the facial nerve paresis persisted for a period of 4 months. Histological work-up yielded a diagnosis of Warthin's tumor with necrotic changes. This case indicates that even benign processes can be associated with facial nerve palsy.