In reply

Abstract

Drs Kolokythas and Ord have commented on our report and shared their experience with the surgical approach for parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors. As we know, primary PPS tumors are rare and account for less than 1% of head and neck neoplasms. 1 Batsakis J.G. Sneige N. Parapharyngeal and retroparapharyngeal space diseases. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 1989; 78: 320 Google Scholar However, the anatomy of the PPS makes the clinical examination very difficult; thus, these tumors can achieve an extensive size before they can be identified. PPS tumors still represent a challenge to the surgeon in both the evaluation of the preoperative condition and the appropriate surgical approach. Management of Parapharyngeal—Space TumorsJournal of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryVol. 68Issue 5PreviewZhi et al are to be commended on sharing their experience with the management of tumors extending to or originating from the parapharyngeal space (PPS).1 This is the largest case series reported with 164 tumors treated over a 14-year period. Their findings are consistent with observations reported by others with regard to pathologic diagnosis and tumor origin. The vast majority of PPS neoplasms are benign, with reports ranging from 80% to 87.3%, and malignant tumors compose the remaining 12.7% to 20%. Full-Text PDF