[Anatomy and surgical approaches to the parapharyngeal space]

Analysis of surgical approaches to primary tumors localized in parapharyngeal space used in Head & Neck Cancer Department, Cancer Center Institute in Warsaw. Description of differences in terminology used to describe fascial compartments of the neck.

Retrospective analysis of medical records of 8 selected patients who had an operation for primary parapharyngeal space neoplasm. Analysis has been done of operation protocols, diagnostic images, tumor size and histopathology.

Transcervical, transparotid and transmandibular approaches were used with additional rhinotomy and craniotomy in selected cases. Selection of approach should take into account tumor localization, its size and histopathology.

Planning of surgical procedure for parapharyngeal space tumor should be based upon analysis of diagnostic images and selection of the approach depends on tumor localization, size and histopathology. Differences in terminology of superficial and middle cervical fascial compartments can lead to inappropriate clinical decisions.