[Diagnosis and surgical treatment of pharyngeal space tumors]

The AA. present a retrospective study regarding their experience, in the last 20 years (1973-1993), on diagnosis and management of tumors localized in the parapharyngeal space. In this interval 16 patients, carrying on 17 parapharyngeal tumors, were diagnosed. The incidence was similar in both sexes, the ages ranging widely, the clinic inspecific and the diagnosis confirmed late. They advise the CT with opaque media, nowadays associated to NMR, as suitable diagnostic routine. Fine needle biopsy is not recommended as regular procedure. The great deal of cases carried benign tumors, though individually metastatic epidermoid carcinomas were the most prevalent, followed by salivary and neurogenic growths. 15 individuals underwent surgery. In all but one the cervical approach without mandibulotomy--supposed to be the selective procedure--was done. No one was tracheotomized. Four postoperative nervous complications presented: 2 corresponding to malingnancies. Neither major complications nor perioperative mortality resulted.