Parapharyngeal space tumor: undifferentiated sarcoma of the parotid gland. A case report

Parapharyngeal space tumors are extremely uncommon. A 43-year-old man presents with a painless upper neck and face mass, airway obstruction and dysphagia. Physical evaluation revealed a firm, non-mobile mass extending from the right auricular region to the mandibular region of the neck. Radical parotidectomy was scheduled and muscle biopsy was done yielding undifferentiated sarcoma of the parotid gland. Parapharyngeal space tumors represent a problem for physicians in making an accurate diagnosis and determining management options available. Extensive knowledge of the anatomical boundaries of the parapharyngeal space, diversity of pathological problems and common clinical manifestations should help avoid delayed diagnosis and improve patient's outcome.