Diagnostic imaging for parapharyngeal space tumors is discussed in this paper . In our clinic 15 patients with parapharyngeal space tumors (6 males and 9 females) were treated from 1981 to 1991. The most common chief complaint was neck mass.
The shape of parapharyngeal space tumors is very complex and the size is usually greater than expected from the external appearance. We emphasized the necessity for precise pre-operative diagnostic imaging..
First ultrasonic examination is performed to determine the location, shape and boundaries of the tumor. Then X-ray, sialo-CT and MRI examinations are performed. Now ultrasonic color doppler equipment is being used to determine the exact position of the great vessels: common carotid artery, internal carotid artery, external carotid artery and internal jugular vein.
Angiographic studies, such as CAG or DSA are added if necessary.
After evaluation of the results obtained by those pre -operative examinations, all the patients were treated surgically. Extra-cervical approaches were usually used.
Histpathological diagnoses were: neurinoma in 6 patients, and pleomorphic adenoma in 3, and monomorphic adenoma, neurofibroma, hemangiopericytoma, hemangioma in one each.
Two patients had malignant tumors.
