Primary neuroblastoma of the facial nerve presenting as a recurrent facial paralysis

Abstract

A case is described of a primary neuroblastoma of the facial nerve in a 13-year-old boy presenting with a recurrent facial paralysis. This tumour was excised preserving the nerve and followed with post-operative radiotherapy. The pathology of the tumour is described and facial nerve tumours briefly discussed as a cause of facial palsy. There have been no other cases of a primary neuroblastoma of the facial nerve arising at this site reported in the last 20 years.