A comparative study of parapharyngeal space tumors over a 7 year period experience in tertiary care hospital

Background: Tumors of the parapharyngeal space (PPS) are rare, accounting for 0.5–1.5% of all head and neck tumors. The anatomy of the PPS is responsible for a wide variety of tumors arising from the PPS. Our series of 10 PPS tumors provides an overview of the clinical course and management of PPS tumors. Methods: This retrospective study included clinical data from patients treated for PPS tumors from 2011 to 2018 at the Stanley medical college hospital, Chennai. Results: After careful analysis of the outcome of the study, we have found out that there was no local recurrence in any patient during the follow-up period. Though few approaches are advised in the literature, In our study transoral approach may be advocated as the first choice for excision of parapharyngeal space tumors, except for malignant tumors and neurogenic tumor. Trans cervical approach is used for malignant and neurogenic tumors, considering its advantages of providing direct access to the neoplasm, adequate control of neurovascular structures from the neck. Conclusions: In our study, middle aged male population was most commonly affected. Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common PPS tumor; prestyloid compartment is mostly affected by these tumors. As per the previous studies, trans cervical approach is first choice for excision of parapharyngeal space tumors. In our study, trans oral approach is also a suitable, safe approach for pre styloid non vascular lesions and trancervical approach can be reserved for postsyloid and malignant lesions.