Parapharyngeal space tumours: one case report

Abstract

Parapharyngeal space tumours are uncommon and comprising less than 1% of all head and neck neoplasms. Both benign and malignant tumours may arise from any of the structures contained within the para pharyngeal space and most commonly present as a neck or oropharyngeal painless mass. While the pathologist usually makes the final diagnosis in such cases, is important to recognize that vascular lesions may occur in this space. Imaging studies of this region must be performed before attempting to obtain a biopsy or to excise the lesion. The authors present a case of a patient with a large mass in the left parapharyngeal space with 3 months, painless and causing dysphagia. Imaging studies reveal an aneurysm of the internal carotid artery that was treated by an endovascular procedure with obliteration of the aneurysm.