Parapharyngeal Tumours: Our Experience in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Introduction Tumours of parapharyngeal space are rare. Surgical excision is the mainstay of its management. However, approach to the space is rather difficult. The transcervical approach is most commonly practiced as opposed to the transoral approach, due to fear of complications. The present study aims to study the two approaches with respect to treatment outcomes and complications. Materials and Methods A prospective study was conducted from July 2018 to December 2019 (1.5 years) at the Department of ENT in a tertiary care Hospital. A total of 10 cases of parapharyngeal tumours were selected; 5 of involving the prestyloid compartment underwent transoral surgery and the other 5 involving the post styloid compartment underwent transcervical surgery. The results of surgery and complications were studied. Results The mean age of presentation was 36.5 yrs. Male: Female ratio was 3:2. There were 9 benign and 1 malignant case in the study. The most common presentation was an asymptomatic oropharyngeal mass (80%). The most common pathological type was pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary gland (50%). Conclusion We found that the transoral approach is as effective as transcervical approach in surgical cureand contrary to the popular belief, it is associated with fewer complications.Hence, carefully selected cases can be safely managed by this approach.