Parapharyngeal Space Tumors Research Articles

Mixed reality combined with surgical navigation technology assisted in parapharyngeal space tumors surgery: a clinical study

Objective: To assess the feasibility and application of mixed reality combined with surgical navigation technology in parapharyngeal space tumor surgery, and to provide a reference for the development and promotion of this technology. Methods: In this study, retrospective data collection was conducted on 16 patients with parapharyngeal space tumors who were treated at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from June 2020 to June 2023. The patient's age was (39.6±17.8) years, with 4 males and 12 females. Mixed reality combined with surgical navigation technology was utilized to assist physicians in the treatment of these patients. Mixed reality combined with surgical navigation technology was used to assist physicians in treatment of these patients. The application steps included acquisition of image data, processing of image data [three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction, image fusion, and virtual surgical design], development of surgical navigation plan, connection of mixed reality and navigation system, automatic registration and intraoperative guidance and validation. In the preoperative plan, landmark points were placed on the virtual tumor and surrounding important structures reconstructed using digital software, serving to guide the localization of crucial anatomical structures. Intraoperative positioning deviation, surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative complications were recorded and analyzed to evaluate the clinical application effectiveness of mixed reality combined with surgical navigation technology. Results: With the assistance of mixed reality combined with surgical navigation technology, 16 patients successfully underwent tumor resection. All patients were accurately diagnosed preoperatively by 3D reconstruction and image fusion technology, and a comprehensive preoperative plan was formulated; intraoperatively, mixed reality combined with surgical navigation technology was utilized for the localization of important structures. The average localization deviation of 38 landmark points during the operation were (4.43±1.96) mm, with 62% (26/42) of the points having a deviation of ≥0 and<5 mm. The average duration of the operation was (149.6±53.9) min and the blood loss was 70 (45, 150) ml. The average postoperative follow-up was 16 months, and five patients experienced postoperative complications involving facial paralysis, hoarseness, and choking. Conclusions: Mixed reality combined with surgical navigation technology can achieve the three-dimensional visualization of oral and maxillofacial anatomical structures to achieve precise preoperative diagnosis. During surgery, the technology can real-time display the relationship between soft tissue tumors and the surrounding important anatomical structures, guide surgical operation, and enhance the safety of surgery.

Endoscope-Assisted Transcervical Resection of Parapharyngeal Space Tumors.

We describe a novel technique for endoscope-assisted (EA) transcervical (TC) approach for resection of parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors and compare perioperative outcomes of this approach to standard TC approaches. Retrospective chart review. Single tertiary care center. This was a single-institution, retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing TC approach for resection of PPS tumors over a 10-year period. We describe unique advantages of our surgical approach utilizing a 0° endoscope for improved surgical access, visualization, and efficiency. χ2 and Student's t test were used to compare perioperative outcomes between cases in which an endoscope was utilized EA for resection versus standard TC approach. Our cohort included 77 patients (n = 40 EA, n = 37 TC). There was no difference in patient age, sex, tumor laterality, tumor size, or tumor location between groups. The EA approach was associated with significantly shorter operative times (median [range] for EA 73 [33-270] minutes vs TC 112 [56-362] minutes, P < .01) and reduced rates of immediate postoperative marginal mandibular nerve paresis (EA: n = 5 [12.5%] vs TC: n = 16 [43.2%], P < 0.01). EA TC approach for resection of PPS tumors offers improved surgical access and is associated with reduced surgical time and rates of marginal mandibular nerve paresis compared to standard transcervical approaches.

Analysis of Diagnosis and Treatment Strategies for Parapharyngeal Space Tumors With Follicular Dendritic Sarcoma

Background: Parapharyngeal space tumor is a tumor that occurs in the parapharyngeal space. Parapharyngeal space tumors are uncommon, accounting for about 0.5% of head and neck tumors. Eighty percent of them are benign and 20% are malignant. The pathologic types of tumors are varied, mainly neurogenic tumors and salivary gland tumors. Follicular dendritic sarcomas are much rarer, with an inert biological behavior and a low-grade malignant sarcoma. Clinicians face difficulties in the management of this lesion. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis of the management of this disease is necessary. Case presentations: In May 2023, a 22-year-old male presented with pharyngeal discomfort, dysphagia, and sleep apnea. The patient underwent MRI which showed a rounded hypodense shadow with a size of 3.2×2.1×4.5 cm in the left lateral pharyngeal wall and a mass located in the posterior aspect of the left submandibular gland. After preliminary diagnosis of left parapharyngeal space tumor and left neck mass, the clinician performed transoral endoscopy-assisted resection of the left parapharyngeal space tumor and transcervical resection of the left cervical mass. The patient has been followed up without recurrence. Conclusions: This case provided a reference for the diagnosis and management of parapharyngeal space tumors. In particular, new insights into the diagnosis and management of a rare pathologic type were presented, which had the potential to improve the overall understanding of this disease.

Correction: Transoral Robotic Approach to Parapharyngeal Space Tumors: Changes in Paradigm of Surgery

Correction: Transoral Robotic Approach to Parapharyngeal Space Tumors: Changes in Paradigm of Surgery

Transoral Robotic Approach to Parapharyngeal Space Tumors: Changes in Paradigm of Surgery.

PPS space tumors are extremely rare, accounting for 0.5% of head and neck neoplasms. Trans-oral, Trans-cervical, Trans-parotid, Trans-cervical-trans-mandibular, and infratemporal are various surgical approaches that have been described for PPS tumors. Of late, with the advent of robotic surgery, Trans Oral Robotic Surgery (TORS) for PPS tumors is being increasingly advocated with promising results. To establish both efficacy and safety of Trans Oral Robotic Surgery, Five cases of pleomorphic adenoma of parapharyngeal space with sizes varying between 2.5 cm to 7.5 cm were evaluated and removed using Trans oral robotic approach using the Da Vinci system. Three were removed in toto and two in piecemeal fashion. There was capsule breach in 2 cases, no major complication was reported in any of the cases. Transoral Robotic Approach for PPS tumors can provide the much-required bridge between Transcervical and Trans mandibular Oral Approach. It provides a better direct approach. Carefully selected patients with well encapsulated tumors are more amenable to this approach.

Unusual parapharyngeal lipoma

Less than 1% of head and neck malignancies are Parapharyngeal Space (PPS) tumors; salivary gland tumors make up the majority, followed by tumors with a neurogenic origin [1].

Case Series of Endoscopic Transoral Excision of Huge Parapharyngeal Tumors: Pushing the Boundaries.

Endoscopic transoral excision of parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors is often condemned for its many limitations. We revisit this approach and aim to introduce some updated perspectives following the advancement of endoscopic instrumentation, robotic transoral surgery, and radical tonsillectomy. We illustrate the techniques that were deployed for six patients with huge benign PPS tumors originating from the pre-styloid compartment at our center. Only patients who had a tumor size of five cm or larger were included in this study. We summarized our patients' outcomes, the important considerations, and the advantages and disadvantages of this approach. With accurate selection and surgical strategy, all our patients had good clinical outcomes. We demonstrated that even larger tumors can be safely removed endoscopically. Surely, this approach will gain traction, and better-designed studies should be conducted in the future to assess its credibility.

Minimally invasive management of parapharyngeal space tumors: Introducing a decision-making algorithm and radiologic tool

ObjectiveTraditionally tumors of the parapharyngeal space (PPS) are resected through transcervical approaches. More recent approaches include endoscopic approaches or transoral robotic surgery (TORS) without directions on when to use which approach. Our objective was to find objective parameters to choose the most suitable approach. MethodsIt is a retrospective study containing 6 patients from May 2019 to May 2021 with tumors of the PPS treated in the Department of Otolaryngology and Head-Neck Surgery at the Hospital of Lucerne, Switzerland. ResultsThe data was analysed in average 53 months after surgery. Tumor resection was completed with TORS in 3 patients and endoscopically in 3 patients. Mean operation time was 114 min. No major complications occurred. No evidence of tumor was found in magnetic resonance imaging studies postoperatively in all patients. ConclusionWe conclude that a resection via TORS or endoscopic technique is safe and effective. Furthermore, we postulate that the further a tumor is located in the upper lateral area of the PPS, an approach via TORS is less possible.

Research progress in the anatomy and surgical approach of the parapharyngeal space

The parapharyngeal space, a complex fascial compartment within the head and neck region, encompasses crucial anatomical structures including blood vessels and nerves. Tumors occurring within this space are rare, with the majority being benign in nature. Surgical intervention remains the primary treatment modality; however, managing parapharyngeal space tumors poses significant challenges due to their intricate anatomical configuration. Conventional open surgical approaches have been associated with significant tissue damage and a high prevalence of postoperative complications. Recently, advancements in anatomical studies and surgical techniques have led to significant progress in understanding parapharyngeal space anatomy and improving surgical management. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these developments.

Analysis of surgical approaches and mandibular treatment strategies for different types of tumors involving parapharyngeal space

In view of the surgical complexity of parapharyngeal space tumors involved, this paper summarized the disease data of patients with parapharyngeal space tumors involved in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from January 2015 to January 2021. It also summarized the surgical approach and mandibular management, so as to explore surgical strategies for different characteristics of parapharyngeal space tumors involved. A total of 49 patients, including 28 males and 21 females, median age 52 years (range 24-72 years). They were treated with four surgical approaches for tumor resection, 25 cervical approach, 5 cheek and neck approach, 3 transoral approach, and 16 cervical-maxillary approach. Among the patients treated with cervical-maxillary approach, 3 patients were treated with mandible square resection, and 6 patients were treated with temporary mandible dissection. Seven cases were treated with tumor resection and partial mandibular resection. There are various surgical approaches and mandibular management methods involving tumors in the parapharyngeal space, and clinical decisions should be made based on tumor diameter, location, boundary, blood supply and pathological types.

Lymphoma presenting as a parapharyngeal space tumour

Among all head and neck tumours, approximately 0.5% to 0.8% localize in the parapharyngeal space, with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas in this region being exceptionally rare. They are documented in the literature either as isolated cases or in small case series. Here, we present a case involving a middle aged man who exhibited 4 month history of dysphagia and hoarse voice. Upon examination, showed a bulged left side of the soft palate and medialization of the pharyngeal wall. CT and MRI revealed a large lesion in the left parapharyngeal region pushing the pharynx anteromedially. Similar intensity enhancing lesion noted in nasopharynx. A transoral excision of parapharyngeal mass was performed, revealing a large B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Typically, parapharyngeal space tumours are benign, and surgery is the preferred treatment. Patient was transferred to tertiary care oncology hospital for further treatment. This case underscores the rarity but potential presence of extranodal non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas in the head and neck. Recognizing this pathology is crucial due to the different treatment approach it necessitates.

Anatomical Variations of the Ascending Pharyngeal Artery: Implications for Endoscopic Surgery in the Parapharyngeal Space.

Objectives: The ascending pharyngeal artery (APA) travels with the parapharyngeal internal carotid artery (pICA) in the parapharyngeal space (PPS). This study aimed to investigate the anatomical variations of the APA, and to explore their implications for endoscopic surgery in the PPS. Methods: Dissection of the APA in the PPS was performed on 10 cadaveric specimens (20 sides). The relationship between APA and PPS tumors was retrospectively reviewed in 20 patients, attempting to ascertain the APA during the resection of 10 pre-styloid and 10 retro-styloid PPS tumors. Results: During the cadaveric dissections, the APA was identified at the medial, posteromedial, or bilateral aspects of the pICA in 12 (60%) and 4 (20%) sides, respectively. In the remaining 4 sides (20%), the APA branched into several subcategory arteries lying at the medial and lateral aspects of the pICA. Branches of the APA were observed in 13/20 sides (65%). Two branches were found in 9/13 sides and 3 branches in 4/13, respectively. The APA was only identifiable in 1/10 (10%) of pre-styloid tumors, a patient with basal cell adenoma. In contrast, the APA was encountered surrounding the pICA in 8/10 (80%) of patients with retro-styloid tumors, all of which were schwannomas. No inadvertent injury of the APA or the pICA occurred in this cohort. Conclusions: With identification of the ascending pharyngeal artery on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging, it may serve as an additional landmark during the endoscopic extirpation of tumors arising in the PPS.

Mandibular swing approach for high parapharyngeal space schwannoma

Parapharyngeal space tumours are rare, comprising 0.5% of all head and neck neoplasms. Different surgical approaches to this space have been described based on various criteria. Here, we are presenting a case report of a 65-year-old woman with left vagal schwannoma splaying the left internal carotid artery and internal jugular vein superiorly and splaying the left internal carotid artery and external carotid artery inferiorly, with its upper edge about 0.7 cm caudal to skull base. Surgery by a combined trans-cervical and mandibular swing approach was adopted for this case. The tumour which was extending so close to the skull base was removed in toto with an intact capsule and the neurovascular structures like the carotids, internal jugular vein and the vagus were preserved through a trans-mandibular approach. Postoperatively patient had no neurovascular compromise. Histopathological examination revealed vagal schwannoma. Trans-mandibular approach may appear complex, but it offers excellent surgical field to keep the delicate surrounding structures intact, to reduce the risk of haemorrhagic and avoid neurological complications.

Parapharyngeal Acinic Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report of a Rare Extra-Parotid Occurrence

Parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors are among the most challenging tumors of the head and neck region to diagnose and treat. Acinic cell carcinoma (ACC) is an extremely rare extra-parotid malignant neoplasm of the PPS. Herewith, we report a case of extra-parotid, low-grade solid pattern ACC diagnosed in a 55-year-old male who presented with a left parapharyngeal bulge. Despite its rare occurrence, ACC of the PPS should be included in the differential diagnosis of PPS tumors.

Parapharyngeal space carcinoma disguised as temporomandibular joint disorder: A clinical report

Parapharyngeal space neoplasms tend to have a considerable volume by the time of diagnosis because of their deep location in the neck and may have a relatively long progression before becoming symptomatic. Common presenting signs and symptoms of parapharyngeal space neoplasms include swelling in the neck, intraoral mass, dysphagia, dysphonia, heaviness in the ear, otalgia, and rarely, trismus. Some of these signs and symptoms could be mistaken for signs of temporomandibular disorder (TMD). This clinical report presents the incidental discovery of parapharyngeal space carcinoma initially presenting as TMD. A thorough clinical examination of the temporomandibular joints, supported by their magnetic resonance imaging, led to early detection of the neoplasm, thereby improving the patient's post-treatment survival probability.

Sleep-disordered breathing due to parapharyngeal space plexiform neurofibroma in neurofibromatosis-1: a case report and literature review

BackgroundNeurofibromatosis type 1 is an autosomal dominant disorder with an incidence of 1 in 3000 births. Neurofibromas can occur anywhere in the body. Of all the head and neck tumours parapharyngeal space tumours constitute 0.5%. Neurofibromas can constitute about 9% of all the neurogenic tumours (41%) of the parapharyngeal space. Prevalence of nasal obstruction and obstructive sleep-disordered breathing symptoms due to Plexiform neurofibroma in Neurofibromatosis type 1 is rare amounting to less than 0.5% of cases of parapharyngeal space tumours.Case presentationWe present a case report of a 24-year-old female patient of Neurofibromatosis type 1 who presented with obstructive sleep-disordered breathing symptoms due to Plexiform neurofibroma in the parapharyngeal space. She had complaints of progressive nasal obstruction with associated snoring, disturbed sleep, and daytime somnolence without any significantly large external neck swelling. She underwent excision of the right parapharyngeal tumor by combined trans parotid and transcervical approach. After histopathological examination, a diagnosis of Plexiform neurofibroma was made. On 1-year follow-up, she is doing well without any recurrence and her presenting symptoms of obstructive sleep-disordered breathing symptoms had improved.ConclusionThe symptoms of obstructive sleep-disordered breathing symptoms need to be kept in mind while evaluating such patients and careful attention needs to be given to the patients who report disturbed sleep. Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a multi-system disease which needs holistic care and approach. Such patients should be offered symptomatic treatment and leading questions on the quality of sleep should be asked. Any treatable cause of disturbed sleep like organic sleep disorder should be treated promptly in such patients.

Unusual Branchial Cleft Cyst at Parapharyngeal Space: Case Report and a Review of Literature.

Branchial cleft cyst in parapharyngeal space is a very rare occurrence. Only 0.5% of all head and neck tumours constitute parapharyngeal space tumours. It is mainly congenital but can be seen at a later age following infection. MRI is the gold standard for diagnosis. This is a case report of a 19-year-old with right sided neck swelling without any significant history. It has been excised by transcervical approach.

Modified mandibulotomy as an approach to parapharyngeal space tumors: a case report

BackgroundA mandibulotomy approach has been introduced for removal of posteriorly-based tumors of the oral cavity, oropharynx, and certain parapharyngeal tumors with minimum morbidity.Case presentationA middle-aged male presented with a left-sided upper neck mass for last year and difficulty in swallowing for the past six months. A previous history of sclerotherapy and incision and drainage was present and a histopathological examination report from the incision and drainage-derived tissue was suggestive of lymphangioma. On examination, a single soft globular swelling measuring approximately 6 × 4 cm in the left infra-auricular region and a scar of previous incision and drainage measuring approximately 1 × 0.5 cm was present. Oropharynx: tonsillar bulge was present and reaching up to the uvula. Contrast-enhanced MRI revealed an enhancing lesion suggesting a vascular tumour affecting the pre and post-styloid compartment. The patient underwent surgical excision of the lymphangioma by a modified mandibulotomy approach to improve bony stability, avoiding lip split incision and tooth extraction for medically resistant lymphangioma. So, we introduced our modified technique of mandibulotomy in cases of medically resistant parapharyngeal space tumors with a modified lifting step osteotomy with a thin saw blade.ConclusionThe modified mandibulotomy approach provides a safe and effective means of tumor resection and this technique not only ensures complete tumour resection but also maintains the integrity and functionality of the mandible.

A Large Parapharyngeal Mass in A Five-Year-Old Girl: A Case Report

Lesions in the parapharyngeal space are rare and account for 0.5-1.5% of all head and neck tumours. Of these, venous malformations represent 1% of all parapharyngeal space tumors. In the current paper, we reported a 5-year-old patient who presented with a soft tissue swelling of the parapharyngeal space that was discovered by her parents after two weeks following adenoidectomy. The MRI revealed a tumour within the parapharyngeal space with a well-defined mass with low-signal intensity on T1 and high on T2. The internal flow voids also proposed phleboliths. Therefore, the tumour was removed by an intraoral approach. The post-op pathology result explicated a venous malformation.

Rare Presentation of Venous Malformation in Parapharyngeal Space.

Venous malformations are commonly seen in muscles like masseter, temporalis, tongue musculature, oral and airway mucosa in the head and neck region but is rarely seen in parapharyngeal space. We report a case of a 60 year female patient who presented with foreign body sensation of throat, sticky sensation and dysphagia to solids for 2 years. She was subjected to relevant investigations including MRI and USG guided FNAC. Following which she underwent endoscopic parapharyngeal space tumour excision and specimen was sent for HPE. Post operatively patient is doing well and symptomatically better. She is being followed up on regular basis. Parapharyngeal space tumours accounts for only 0.5% of head and neck tumours, of which 70 to 80% are benign and the rest are malignant. Out of the benign tumours of parapharyngeal space we should also keep in mind rare tumours like venous malformations.