We report a case of perineural invasion of the facial nerve by a cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in a 59-year-old man who presented with a slowly progressive facial paralysis. We performed a distal facial nerve dissection and a simple mastoidectomy with facial recess exposure for resection to negative margins. We also performed a simultaneous facial reconstruction and reanimation procedure with excellent results. External-beam radiation completed the treatment regimen. In addition to describing this case, we review current concepts in diagnosis and therapy, as well as the historical background of malignant perineural invasion of the cranial nerves.
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