Squamous cell carcinoma with perineural invasion presenting as a Tolosa-Hunt-like syndrome: a potential pitfall in diagnosis

Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 2000 Nov;16(6):450-2. doi: 10.1097/00002341-200011000-00009.

Abstract

Purpose: To describe a case of perineural invasion resulting from squamous cell carcinoma of forehead.

Methods: Case report.

Results: Perineural invasion resulting from squamous cell carcinoma of the periocular skin can present as a Tolosa-Hunt-like syndrome with lack of radiologic findings on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in its early stages.

Conclusion: A high level of suspicion for perineural invasion is required when assessing multiple cranial nerve palsies in patients with a history of cutaneous malignancy, despite negative sequential MRI. Perineural invasion must be ruled out by a biopsy of the involved nerves, whenever possible, before empiric therapy with systemic steroids is contemplated.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / complications
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / radiotherapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Disease Progression
  • Facial Neoplasms / complications
  • Facial Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Facial Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Forehead
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Orbit / innervation*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms / complications
  • Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome / complications
  • Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome / diagnosis*