Parapharyngeal space tumours, clinical presentation, diagnosis and management

ABSTRACT

A series of 6 cases of Parapharyngeal space tumours is reported. Of the total, 4 [66%] were benign schwanomas. The incidence of malignant tumours in this study is 33%. The commonest mode of clinical presentation was painless mass in the lateral wall of pharynx with or without a contagious swelling below the angle of mandible. Pain, trismus and cranial nerve palsies indicated malignancy. Amongst the investigations M.R.I. is of special interest. In case No. 5 cross-circulation in angiograms helped us in deciding to simultaneously ligate both internal and external carotids. This has been done in some series published elsewhere but not in Pakistan