Tumor Characteristics and Surgical Outcomes in Parapharyngeal Space Neoplasms

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Parapharyngeal space tumors are rare, mostly benign, and often present with neck swelling, intraoral bulge, or dysphagia. Surgery, usually via the transcervical approach, is the main treatment, with cranial nerve injury as the most common complication. In Bangladesh, outcomes are generally favorable, though larger studies are needed. Methods & Materials: This observational research involved patients with tumors in the parapharyngeal space who had surgery at Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery Department of a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh from January 2024 to December 2024. Information regarding demographics, tumor features, surgical methods, complications, recurrence rates, and length of hospital stay was gathered. Tumors were categorized as prestyloid or poststyloid, and their size was evaluated through imaging. Surgical results and histopathological findings were evaluated, with data presented as percentages or mean ± SD. Results: 30 patients with parapharyngeal space tumors were studied, with a mean age of 45.6 ± 12.3 years; most were 30–50 years (46.7%) and male (60%). Common symptoms included neck swelling (43.3%), dysphagia (40%), and pain (26.7%). Most tumors were benign (76.7%), averaging 4.8 ± 1.6 cm, located in the prestyloid (60%) or poststyloid (40%) regions. The transcervical approach was used in 60% of cases, achieving complete resection in 86.7%, with intra- and postoperative complications in 16.7% and 20%, respectively. Recurrence occurred in 6.7%, mean hospital stay was 5.2 ± 1.8 days, and pleomorphic adenoma (46.7%) was the most common histology. Conclusion: Parapharyngeal space tumors are rare, mostly benign, and present with neck swelling or dysphagia. Surgical excision, usually transcervical, is effective with low recurrence and acceptable complications, with pleomorphic adenoma being the most common tumor.