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[Differential diagnosis of parapharyngeal mass]
M Andratschke1, R Helmberger, K Mees
1Klinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München. mandrats@hno.med.uni-muenchen.de
Background:
Parapharyngeal lesions are rare. Tumors arising in the parapharyngeal space can be silent clinically for a long period of time. Physical findings like dislocation of the pharyngeal walls or cervical swelling are often recognized by chance.
Material And Methods:
Representing three cases of parapharyngeal tumors the differential diagnosis of parapharyngeal masses and the importance of the magnetic resonance imaging will be shown.
Conclusions:
Mostly, parapharyngeal masses are represented by salivary gland tumors (40%-50%). The second most common tumors in the parapharyngeal space are neurogenic tumors (17%-25%). Paragangliomas are the third group of common parapharyngeal lesions (10%-15%). A mixed group of lesions like branchial cleft cysts, lymph nodes and hematogenic tumors represent the remaining part of the parapharyngeal masses (10%-33%). Most of the lesions (80%) are benign. Because of the magnetic response imaging a reliable preoperative diagnosis is possible in more than 80% of the tumors. The surgical management may also be influenced by the location of the tumor shown in the magnetic resonance imaging.