Masses that Arise within or Encroach upon the Parapharyngeal Space

摘要

Abnormally appearing parapharyngeal space (PPS) tissues may result from many different benign and malignant pathological processes. When confronted with suspicious conditions involving this complex region of the head and neck, clinicians may wish to adhere to a detailed, systematic, and comprehensive set of examination and treatment procedures to ensure appropriate diagnoses and successful treatment outcomes. This paper presents the differential workup of four patients who presented with suspicious masses that either directly or indirectly encroached upon the PPS. A suggested algorithm is introduced to facilitate accurate identification and treatment of abnormalities that involve the PPS and its anatomically proximal tissue network.