Australian Dental Council (ADC) Practice Test

The presence of facial paralysis is a significant finding when evaluating a parotid mass, as it can indicate the involvement of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) due to the proximity of the parotid gland to the nerve. If a mass is affecting the facial nerve, this may suggest that the mass is malignant or aggressive in nature, as benign conditions are less likely to invade surrounding structures. Facial paralysis can present as weakness or inability to move the muscles of the face on the affected side, providing essential diagnostic information.

Other findings, while relevant, do not directly signal the potential malignancy or aggressive behavior of a parotid mass in the same way. Nodular consistency may indicate a more solid mass but does not specifically indicate malignancy or facial nerve involvement. Xerostomia (dry mouth) can be a symptom of various conditions, including salivary gland dysfunction, but is not specific to the severity or nature of a parotid mass. Slow progressive enlargement is more indicative of a benign condition but does not provide insight into the possible invasion of neighboring structures or malignancy. Therefore, facial paralysis is considered the most clinically significant finding in this context.