Pain as the primary symptom of a malignant parotid tumour

The differential diagnosis of peri-auricular pain is comprehensive and arriving at a correct diagnosis is not always easy, which may result in a delay of treatment or even malpractice. Two patients presented themselves with facial peri-auricular pain. After a period of follow-up and control this pain turned out to be related to a malignant tumor in the glandula parotidea. These two cases show the importance for the dentist to refer patients with peri-auricular pain, with or without concomitant facial nerve palsy, to a specialist in a timely manner.