A Case of Basal Cell Adenocarcinoma of the Parotid Gland in Which Facial Nerve Function Was Preserved by Covering the Skin Defect with Artificial Dermis

Abstract

Parotid carcinoma surgery involving skin excision requires preservation of facial nerve function by covering the skin defect. We encountered a case of basal cell adenocarcinoma who had undergone surgery with skin excision, in whom the facial nerve function was preserved by covering the skin defect with artificial dermis. The patient was a 71-year-old man with basal cell adenocarcinoma of the right parotid gland that had extensively invaded the skin. We performed a skin grafting procedure in a second surgery. The patient’s facial nerve function after this surgery was preserved, except for the area supplied by the buccal muscle branch which was resected. When surgical treatment is unavoidable due to tumor growth with extensive skin invasion or hemorrhage, as in this case, it is possible to preserve the facial nerve function and maintain a good cosmetic appearance without ADL deterioration by performing a two-stage reconstruction using artificial dermis. It is necessary to observe the patient’s progress bearing this in mind.