Assessment and treatment of neurogenic and non‐neurogenic tumors of the parapharyngeal space

Abstract

The clinical and pathologic findings in eleven cases of parapharyngeal space tumors are described. The anatomy of this area and diagnostic procedures are discussed. Investigations should include a few basic examinations such as sialogram-computed tomographic (CT) scan, carotid angiogram, and echography. Several surgical approaches are considered in relation to the site and the size of the neoplasm. Prognosis depends on the histologic type of the tumor.

Parapharyngeal space neoplasms

“…Of the 35 patients with malignant neoplasms, 16 months. Nineteen of the patients with malignant parapharyngeal tumors received no postoperative radiotherapy.…”

“…Therefore, the 7 patients known to be alive after treatment of a malignant PPS neoplasm were 4 alive with no evidence of disease and 3 alive with disease. The follow-up period for these patients was 1.4 years to 16.0 years.…”

Tumors and Surgery of the Parapharyngeal Space

“…The site of origin is generally the vagus nerve or sympathetic chain. 40 Overall, approximately 30% of all neurilemomas occur in the head and neck area, with the majority originating from the vagus nerve. 41 The vagus nerve has been reported to be the nerve of origin in 50% of parapharyngeal neurilemomas.…”

Surgical Neuroangiography

“…Salivary 48% Neurogenic 32% Vascular 5% Miscellaneous 6% In other series, neurogenic tumors were the most frequent benign lesions encountered in the parapharyngeal space (Conley, 1978;Ferlito, 1984). Schwannomas are encountered in the nasal fossa and the paranasal sinuses (Khalifa, 1981;Mahe, 1983); maxillary sinus (Agarwall, 1980); and sphenoid sinus (Calcaterra, 1974).…”