[Benign parapharyngeal space tumors]

Abstract

Introduction: Parapharyngeal space tumors are rare and represent from 0.5% to 1% of all head and neck tumors. Benign tumors occur in about 80% of all cases and the remaining 20% are malignant tumors. Most of the tumors derive from salivary glands or neural tissue (about 75%), the next 25% have other histopathological origin. Because of poor, late signs and symptoms, and difficult surgical approaches, the tumors of this region are a diagnostical and surgical challenge for every doctor.

The aim of study: Epidemiological and clinical analysis of patients with benign tumors of the parapharyngeal space.

Material and methods: Includes a retrospective analysis of 16 patients hospitalized and treated at the ENT Clinic of the Warsaw Medical University between 2001 and 2010 with confirmed benign tumors of the parapharyngeal space. The data from medical records contain informations about signs and symptoms, diagnostic techniques, surgical approaches, complications and histopathological results.

Conclusions: The most frequently reported symptoms included: discomfort and a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Some patients complained about having difficulty swallowing, hearing problems, and hoarseness. In most cases, the tumor remained symptomless and was discovered only during medical examination. The clinical symptoms usually included a tumor in the throat and/or the neck. To precisely determine the location and nature of the tumor, and its relationship to adjacent structures, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed (and angiography in a few cases). All patients received surgical treatment. The type of surgical approach depended on the location of the tumor, its size and relationship to large vessels and nerves. Usually, it was transcervical and transparotid approach. In one case, combined transoral-transcervical approach was used with lateral mandibulectomy. In the histopathological examination, tumors had mainly originated from a part of the salivary gland and nerve tissue.