A 52-year-old man presents with a swelling in front of his left ear that he first noticed 6 months ago. It has gradually increased in size and remains painless. He refuses that he has had fever, recent infections, or trauma. Over the past 3–4 weeks, he has developed difficulty closing his left eye, drooping of the mouth, and trouble smiling on the same side. There is no history of similar swellings or systemic illness.
On Examination:
A firm, non-tender mass is palpated in the left preauricular region. The swelling is poorly mobile and not attached to the overlying skin. No erythema or warmth is present. Facial nerve examination shows weakness of the muscles of facial expression on the left side, including inability to fully close the eye and flattening of the nasolabial fold. No palpable cervical lymph nodes are detected
Questions
1.What is the most likely diagnosis, and which salivary gland is involved?
2.Which nerve is affected, and why is it particularly vulnerable in this condition?
Share your insights about this diagnosis and lets discuss !