Giant lymphoid hyperplasia presenting as a highly vascularized parapharyngeal mass

Giant lymph node hyperplasia is a rare, benign tumor infrequently occurring in the head and neck. A 31-year-old woman with this disorder, present as a large submucosal parapharyngeal mass, is presented and the literature reviewed. Radiographic evidence of the extreme vascularity of this lesion was remarkable, emphasizing the value of arteriographic evaluation of masses located in this region. Preoperative embolization facilitated its complete resection, and follow-up examination has shown no evidence of recurrence, which is commonly the course of the disease elsewhere in the body. Consideration of this rare entity is warranted in the workup of parapharyngeal masses.