Tumor-associated paralysis of the mastoid portion of the facial nerve: report of three unusual cases.

Tumors of the mastoid portion of the facial nerve are rare and often are misdiagnosed because they have subtle clinical manifestations. We have described three cases of tumor affecting the mastoid portion of the facial nerve seen in our hospital. In all cases, diagnosis proved problematic. Routine and careful use of imaging techniques and a certain amount of intuition are necessary to reach the correct diagnosis. Facial paralysis diagnosis requires histopathological examination following mastoidectomy.