Parapharyngeal space lesions: experience at P I MS

Parapharyngeal space lesions are relatively uncommon. During the period 1988 to 1992, 11 patients were seen with parapharyngeal space lesion at the otolaryngology department of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad. All of these were benign except for 3 cases [73% benign verses 27% malignant]. Schwannoma was the most common lesion encountered [27%]. The use of computed tomography was found helpful not only in diagnosing the lesion but also in planning the surgery. The cervical submandibular approach was adequate in most of the cases