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Parapharyngeal mass presenting with sleep apnoea
D Veitch1, M Rogers, J Blanshard
1Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, London.
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|October 1, 1989
Summary
A parapharyngeal salivary gland tumor caused a patient's sleep apnea. Surgical removal rapidly resolved nocturnal hypoxia, marking the first reported case of a parapharyngeal mass inducing sleep apnea.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Sleep Medicine
- Oncology
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder.
- Parapharyngeal masses are rare and can cause various symptoms.
- The link between intraoral tumors and sleep disturbances is not well-established.
Observation:
- A 60-year-old male patient experienced progressive sleep disturbance.
- The patient had an intraoral parapharyngeal salivary gland tumor.
- Nocturnal polysomnography was conducted post-operatively.
Findings:
- The parapharyngeal tumor was surgically removed.
- Post-operative sleep study revealed rapid resolution of nocturnal hypoxic episodes.
- This case represents the first documented instance of a parapharyngeal mass causing sleep apnea.
Implications:
- Parapharyngeal masses should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained sleep apnea.
- Early diagnosis and surgical intervention can effectively manage sleep-related breathing disorders caused by such masses.
- Further research is warranted to understand the prevalence and mechanisms of sleep apnea induced by parapharyngeal tumors.