Intra-temporal facial nerve abscess due to basal cell carcinoma of external auditory canal: A unique presentation

Infranuclear facial palsy following facial nerve abscess in intra-temporal course has not been described in literature as per our knowledge. After extensive search of literature, only one case of facial nerve sheath abscess was found in a case of leprosy, but the abscess was in the intra-parotid course of the nerve. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a rare malignant tumor of external auditory canal (EAC). Facial nerve palsy in BCC occurs only in advance stages when the tumor erodes the floor of EAC to involve the nerve. Contrast enhanced computed tomography of the temporal bone is useful in diagnosing the entity pre-operatively and in planning the management in such cases. This case is being reported as facial nerve sheath abscess in intra-temporal course due to malignancy of the EAC has not been reported as yet.