Facial swelling is a common presenting complaint. It may be generalised or localised. Many cases are due to trauma or infection, but it may be a sign of systemic disease.

Causes

Traumatic

  • ●

    Insect bites

  • ●

    Facial fractures

Infective

  • ●

    Dental infection (e.g. abscesses)

  • ●

    Sinusitis

  • ●

    Parotitis (bilateral: mumps)

  • ●

    Cellulitis/Erysipelas

  • ●

    Actinomycosis

Neoplastic

  • ●

    Sinuses

  • ●

    Parotid ( Fig. 19 )

    Figure 19, Pleomorphic adenoma (benign) of the parotid gland .

  • ●

    Jaw

  • ●

    Mediastinal tumours

Vascular

  • ●

    Superior vena cava thrombosis

  • ●

    Cavernous sinus thrombosis

Endocrine

  • ●

    Cushing’s syndrome

  • ●

    Congenital hypothyroidism

  • ●

    Severe hypothyroidism (myxoedema)

  • ●

    Acromegaly

Drug-induced

  • ●

    Steroids

Other

  • ●

    Allergic reactions

  • ●

    Angioedema (without anaphylaxis)

  • ●

    Paget’s disease

  • ●

    Renal failure

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