A Large Pleomorphic Adenoma in the Parapharyngeal Space

Abstract

A 54-year-old female was found to have a large tumor of the soft palate and two small tumors in the parotid gland. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a large mass in the left parapharyngeal space and two small masses in the left parotid gland. The large tumor in the parapharyngeal space was removed by an intraoral approach. Histologically, the tumor was found to be a pleomorphic adenoma. There are several possible approaches to tumors of the parapharyngeal space. The preoperative radiologic evaluation, which included CT and MRI, as well as fine needle aspiration biopsy were both very useful in making the preoperative diagnosis and in the selection of the surgical approach. The intraoral approach should be restricted to cases outside of the parotid glands, well encapsulated, tumors with low vascularity and benign tumors.