Pleomorphic adenoma in the infra-temporal space: the first case report

The infratemporal fossa is a deep retromaxillary space corresponding to the inferior aspect of the middle cranial fossa. Tumours in the infratemporal fossa are very rare; therefore experience in their diagnosis and therapeutic management is very limited. Tumors that are reported commonly in the infratemporal region are nasopharyngeal carcinomas, juvenile angiofibromas and adenoid cystic carcinomas. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in the English language literature of a pleomorphic adenoma presenting in the infratemporal space and probably arising from an ectopic minor salivary gland, along with a brief description of the surgical technique.