Anterior approach for CT-guided biopsy of skull base and parapharyngeal space lesions

At our institution we use an anterior approach to biopsy of the parapharyngeal space or skull base lesions because it provides more direct access than the traditional lateral approach through the mandibular notch. The anterior approach follows a course lateral to the alveolar ridge of the maxilla and lateral pterygoid plate, and inferior to the zygomatic process of the maxilla. Biopsy was performed on 15 patients with either a skull base or a parapharyngeal space mass, none of which could be palpated externally or through the oral cavity by the ear, nose, and throat surgeon. In 12 patients the needle biopsy correlated with the surgical pathology. Three needle biopsies were nondiagnostic.