Abstract
We clinically studied 15 cases of parapharyngeal space tumor treated between 1999 and 2006, and reviewed operative indications regarding tumor locations. Six cases were present in the prestyloid region, and nine were present in the retrostyloid region. There were two malignant tumors and one tumor complicated with air-way obstruction following intra-tumor hemorrhage in the prestyloid region. Therefore, prestyloid parapharyngeal space tumors should be indicated for surgery. For retrostyloidal parapharyngeal space tumors, there are few cases that show increase in size even if we followed the patients. Considering these facts, we should assess operative indication carefully while examining any change in size and symptoms.
