Update on the management of parapharyngeal tumours

Parapharyngeal space (PPSp) tumours are uncommon and hence the 'generalist expertise' for diagnosis and treatment is limited. Recent improvements in radiology and cytopathology mean the likely diagnosis is more certain and hence the recommended surgical treatment can be more definitive.

A wide spectrum of primary pathologies are reported to involve the PPSp; the majority (80%) are benign neoplasms. Radiological imaging, computed tomography (CT) and MRI, with diagnostic fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), have continued to increase preoperative diagnostic accuracy. Thus, it is easier to identify the patients whose external surgery may rarely require a mandibulotomy. Only highly selected cases can be safely excised via a transoral approach.

All tumours of the PPSp require accurate diagnosis, using modern diagnostic imaging and FNAC. Surgery, in most cases, remains the treatment of choice. Many neurogenic tumours and paragangliomas can be observed in elderly patients. The optimum surgical approach for complete excision needs to be selected on an individual basis. Each patient must be adequately informed of the associated morbidity and possible complications, likelihood of cure and the risk of tumour recurrence - short and long term. Most tumours can be excised safely, and with low risk of recurrence and short hospitalization, with a cervical-parotid approach.