[Analysis of clinical diagnosis and treatment of 112 cases of parapharyngeal space tumors].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the diagnosis, treatment and surgical approaches of parapharyngeal space tumors.

METHOD

This retrospective study consisted of 112 patients with parapharyngeal space tumors underwent surgeries. The data included clinical symptoms and signs, pathological types, imaging examinations, surgical approaches and postoperative complications.

RESULT

Computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRD and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) made clear the tumor size, localization and its relation to adjacent structures. The postoperative histopathology varied and showed benign in 98 cases consisting of salivary gland tumors (52 cases), neurogenic tumors(33 cases) and other types (13 cases). During the 3 years follow-up period, local recurrence appeared in 3 patients with salivary pleomorphic adenoma and 1 patient with neurofibromatosis. These recurrent tumor cases were cured with second surgery. In 14 patients with malignant tumors reported, 8 cases survived for 5 years, 2 cases (1 adenoid cystic carcinoma and 1 carcinoma in pleornorphic adenoma) recurred in the two and a half years cured with second surgery affiliated radiation therapy through 3 years follow-up time and the rest were followed up 1 to 3 years without recurrence. Peripheral facial paralysis was observed in 25 patients, and 3 patients experienced hypoglossal nerve palsy. Only 1 patient encountered vagus nerve injury, and 2 patients appeared Horner's syndrome, and 4 patients endured Frey syndrome. Gills leakage was discovered in 3 cases and cavity infection was noted in 1 patient.

CONCLUSION

CT, MRI and DSA were important in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of parapharyngeal space tumors. The key to successful treatment is knowing the anatomy of the parapharyngeal space, preoperative assessment and appropriate surgical approach.