FACIAL MASS

A facial mass may come from the skin, the subcutaneous tissue, the teeth, the sinuses, the bones, or the salivary glands. In the skin there may be moles, simple nevi, sebaceous cysts, papillomas, carcinoma, comedones, and urticaria. In the subcutaneous tissue there may be angioneurotic edema, trauma, and erysipelas and actinomycosis.

Swelling coming from the teeth includes dental abscess or dental cyst. The sinuses may become infected and cause swelling over the surface. The bones may develop an odontoma, a sarcoma, or a dermoid cyst. The bones may be fractured and there may be bruising with considerable swelling. If the bones of the sinuses are broken, there may be subcutaneous emphysema.

Mumps and uveoparotid fever may cause swelling of the salivary glands. Mixed tumors of the parotid gland cause unilateral swelling of the face. A stone may obstruct Stensen's or Wharton's ducts, causing intermittent swelling. Nonspecific inflammation of the parotid glands occurs in the elderly and malnourished individuals.

DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP

Most of the skin lesions will be obvious, but a skin biopsy can be performed when in doubt. Smears and cultures should be done when infection is suspected. A therapeutic trial of epinephrine or antihistamines can be tried in angioneurotic edema or urticaria. X-rays of the skull, jaw, and sinuses may be necessary. A CT scan may be needed to identify some fractures and sinus infections. Referral to an oral surgeon or otolaryngologist should be made early in confusing cases.

Book Source Details

• Book Title: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs
• Author(s): R. Douglas Collins
• Year of Publication: 2003
• Copyright Details: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, Copyright © 2003 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

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Copyright Details: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, Copyright © 2008 Williams & Wilkins.

More About Causes of Face symptoms

• Back to symptom: Face symptoms: Introduction (review 4431 causes)
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More About This Book: Title: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs Authors: R. Douglas Collins Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Copyright: 2003 ISBN: 0-7817-3805-9

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