Bilateral benign mixed tumor of the deep lobe of the parotid gland.

The 15th known case of bilateral benign mixed tumor of the parotid gland is reported, with references to previous cases. This is apparently the first case of bilateral deep lobe parotid tumors reported in the literature. It has been pointed out that in deep lobe parotid tumors the main trunk of the facial nerve can be much more superficial in location immediately distal to its exit from the stylomastoid foramen than is usually the case due to lateral displacement by the deeply located tumor mass. This is an extremely important surgical consideration if injury to the facial nerve is to be avoided in removing deep lobe parotid tumors.