Surgical management of parapharyngeal space tumors

Despite its rarity, information on the diagnosis of parapharyngeal space tumors such as through imaging and aspiration biopsy cytology, is slowly accumulating. Little detailed examination has been conducted, however, on surgical approach, complications, and sequelae. We report the results of a retrospective review of 27 patients with primary parapharyngeal space tumors-25 with benign disease and 2 with malignant lesions-treated surgically. Surgical approach, postoperative complications, sequelae, and operative indications of parapharyngeal space tumors were examined in 28 operations on the 27 patients. Tumors found in the prestyloid region in CT or MRI are treated as salivary gland or malignant tumors. Those found in the poststyloid region are treated as shwannoma or paraganglioma. The transcervical approach is often used in patients with shwannoma, while a variety of approaches are selected for patients with salivary gland tumors. Complications occur in 50% of patients, however, bias based on pathological diagnosis has not been examined to the degree needed. Sequelae in our series occurred in 46.4% of our patients. Sequela in the patients with shwannoma, however, is 81.8%, compared to 9.1% in patients with salivary gland tumors. Prestyloid parapharyngeal space tumors seem to be "automatically" indicated for surgery, because the surgical risk is lower than the risk of inaction. In poststyloid parapharyngeal space tumors, however, it appears necessary to judge indication for surgery more carefully while considering the social background, age, and occupation of prospective surgical candidates.     

Synchrones Schwannom des N. vagus und des zervikalen sympathischen Grenzstrangs

Schwannomas are rare neural sheath tumors which are generally benign. Up to 45% of all schwannomas originate in the head and neck region. In the parapharyngeal space (PPS) they may arise from any of the lower cranial nerves IX, X, XI and XII or from the cervical sympathetic chain. We report a unique case of a synchronous schwannoma of the vagal nerve and the cervical sympathetic chain in a patient without neurofibromatosis.     

Vagal paragangliomas: a report of nine cases.

Vagal paragangliomas are rare tumors of neural crest origin: fewer than 175 cases have been reported in the English literature. This slow-growing tumor occurs most often at the base of the skull in the parapharyngeal space, but may arise anywhere along the course of the vagus nerve and its branches. Nine clinical presentations and the surgical outcome in seven patients with vagal paragangliomas treated at our institution are reported. A review of the literature, emphasizing evaluation and treatment of these potentially fatal neoplasms, is discussed. Surgical removal is the treatment of choice with vagal tumors. Complications related to the ablation or injury of cranial nerves IX, X, XI, and XII are commonly seen. Surgical techniques that may prevent injury to these vital neural structures are outlined. The postoperative treatment of patients with impaired deglutition secondary to multiple cranial neuropathies is discussed.     

Internal carotid artery loop: an uncommon cause of parapharyngeal tumor

The parapharyngeal space-occupying lessions may develop from any of the structures located inside it. Uncommon although possible ethiologies for them are anatomic variations of the course of the internal carotid artery. These anatomic variants mainly arise from degenerative, mostly age-amplified, causes and lead to elongations, angulations, kinking and tortuosities in the course of the vessel that appear as impressions or protusions of the pharyngeal wall. Utherly unfrecuently lead to loops that may show as large parapharyngeal tumors. This fact should be noticed previously to any invasive procedure to be performed on the patient specially when evidenced in concommitance with an infectious process at the moment of diagnosis. A case of an impressive internal carotid artery loop that conditioned an important parapharyngeal mass in a patient with an associated pharyngeal infection is reported to warn about this rare parapharyngeal space-occupying condition and its potential danger.     

Pediatric tumors of the parapharyngeal space. Three case reports and a literature review

Three cases of pediatric primary parapharyngeal space tumors, namely a Burkitt's lymphoma, lipoblastoma and a ganglioneuroma are described here, along with a literature review. These disorders are very rare, accounting for less than 20% of all parapharyngeal neoplasms. In comparison to adults, there are differences in pathomorphologic spectrum of pediatric parapharyngeal tumors. The authors describe the prevalence of malignant tumors, mainly soft tissues sarcomas. The salivary gland tumors and paragangliomas which dominate in adult populations, are extremely rare in pediatric populations where the most common benign tumor to be encountered is that of neurogenic origin. It follows that these features modify the diagnostic and therapeutic approach.     

原发性咽旁隙肿瘤的临床及病理分析

目的 研究原发性咽旁隙肿瘤的临床特征、诊疗方法、手术并发症及预后.方法 回顾性分析解放军总医院1994年1月～2005年12月收治的135例原发性咽旁隙肿瘤病例.结果 本组病例共包括24个病种,以神经源性最为多见(72.6%),其次为涎腺来源的肿瘤(15.6%),其他类型少见(11.8%),其中良性121例(89.6%),恶性肿瘤14例(10.4%).135例患者中,132例进行了手术治疗,其中最常用的手术入路是颈侧切开.11例手术的良性肿瘤患者中,4例术后局部复发.至随访期末,14例恶性肿瘤患者中5例(35.7%)死亡,5例患者带瘤生存(35.7%),4例患者无瘤生存(28.6%).结论 咽旁隙肿瘤较少见且多为良性,手术切除是主要的治疗方法.咽旁隙的良性肿瘤手术效果良好,恶性肿瘤预后较差.     

非霍奇金淋巴瘤愈后继发扁桃体滤泡树突状肉瘤1例

1病例报告 患者,男,59岁,因“口咽异物感伴咯血3年,症状加重伴发现左颈部包块4个月余”于2012年5月1日于我科就诊。入院时无发热、吞咽疼痛、吞咽梗阻、呼吸困难等,体检见：左侧扁桃体肿大,表面暗红溃烂,有血痂附着（图1）;     

下颌外旋切除咽及颅底肿瘤

目的 探讨咽及颅底肿瘤切除的最佳手术入路。方法 １３例咽及颅底肿瘤中，鼻咽部２例，口咽部４例，咽旁间隙５例，咽旁颞下区２例。均采用下颌骨切开外旋入路进行了根治性切除。同期行咽后淋巴结清扫术５例，改良根治性颈清扫术２例，咽部缺损以胸大肌皮瓣整复５例。恶性肿瘤术后均接受了辅助性放射治疗。结果 １３例患者中恶性肿瘤１０例，良性肿瘤３例。１２例切口愈合良好，１例术后胸大肌皮瓣感染坏死，延缓愈合。１例吞咽困     

Schwannomas of the parapharyngeal space and jugular foramen

Schwannomas or neurilemmomas are among the most common neoplasms occupying the parapharyngeal space, yet only 107 cases have been previously reported. Neurilemmomas involving the jugular foramen are extremely rare. Only 55 cases have been reported in the world literature. The neoplasm occurred in the parapharyngeal space in three of our patients and in the jugular foramen in another patient. Of the tumors located in the parapharyngeal space, the nerve of origin in one of them was the glossopharyngeal, which is extremely rare. Adequate exposure for complete excision of parapharyngeal space tumors is best obtained through an external incision and should not be attempted transorally. In the jugular foramen case, the neoplasm arose from the vagus nerve high in the neck and extended intracranially in a “dumbbell” shape into the posterior cranial fossa. Total removal was successfully accomplished in one stage, by using a subtotal temporal bone resection — upper neck — posterior cranial fossa approach. Surgical removal is the treatment of choice. Schwannomas rarely recur following complete excision.     

咽旁间隙肌上皮癌的影像学及临床病理分析

目的:探讨咽旁间隙肌上皮癌的影像学及临床病理特征。方法:分析我院收治的1例咽旁间隙肌上皮癌患者的影像学及临床病理资料,结合文献探讨头颈部肌上皮癌的临床特征。结果:影像学显示咽旁间隙占位性病变;病理学确诊为肌上皮癌,病理免疫组织化学表现为S-100蛋白、平滑肌动蛋白、细胞角蛋白、波形蛋白免疫组织化学阳性染色。临床表现为耳痛、流脓血伴头痛及脑神经损害。结论:肌上皮癌是罕见的预后极差的恶性上皮性肿瘤,好发于颌面部涎腺;发生于咽旁间隙并侵犯颞骨则表现为耳深部疼痛及头痛。影像学表现恶性肿瘤行为,破坏性强。病理免疫组织化学明确诊断。     

咽旁隙肿瘤的外科治疗

目的：为探讨因旁隙肿瘤的外科治疗方法，进一步减少术后并发症，提高手术成功率。方法：本文回顾性总结１９８１￣１９９４年以来４５例咽旁隙肿瘤的外科治疗，其中良性肿瘤４０例，恶性肿瘤５例，根据患者的实际情况，采用了４种手术入路。结果：肿瘤全切４４例，术后颅神经并发症１１例（神经源性肿瘤８例，腮腺肿瘤３例），其中８例于术后６个月之内恢复，随诊中，良性肿瘤术后复发３例，恶性肿瘤术后３年生存率４０％（２／５）     

Endoscopy-assisted transoral resection of a parapharyngeal space schwannoma without mandibular dissection

Of the schwannomas that arise from the parapharyngeal space, those in the high cervical region are particularly invasive, requiring mandibular dissection. Because these tumors are benign, however, excessive surgical invasion and postoperative neurological complications should be avoided. Postoperative dropout symptoms may be avoided by intracapsular extraction, including nerve integrity monitoring (NIM) and narrow-band imaging (NBI). Video laryngoscopy surgery is reported to be useful for transoral resection of pharyngeal and laryngeal tumors. This report describes the transoral removal of a giant schwannoma located in the high cervical region from a 74-years-old man using a surgical support device without mandibular dissection.The tumor was located on the right lateral pharyngeal wall and extended from the upper oropharynx to the hypopharynx while compressing the epiglottis to the skull base. No separation was observed between the internal jugular vein and the internal carotid artery. The tumor was diagnosed as a schwannoma with no malignancy on the basis of the histology of a core needle biopsy (CNB), and was completely and safely removed endoscopically using NIM and NBI, with no need for an external incision or mandibular dissection. This case illustrates that even a huge sympathetic schwannoma located in the parapharyngeal space at a high cervical position can be excised transorally using video-laryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) without mandibular dissection.     

Management of tumors arising in the parapharyngeal space

Tumors originating in the parapharyngeal space are rare. During the period of January 1977 to July 1989, 51 patients underwent surgery for parapharyngeal space tumors at the University of Pittsburgh's Eye and Ear Hospital. Eighty percent of the parapharyngeal space neoplasms were benign; 20% were malignant. Fifty-seven percent (31/54) were of neurogenic origin, 30% (16/54) were of salivary origin, and 13% (7/54) were of miscellaneous origin. The use of computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging, and selective use of angiography, allowed us to ascertain the location, size, vascularity, and relation of parapharyngeal space tumors to surrounding anatomical structures. Imaging techniques established the site of origin of these tumors with 96% accuracy. This information was essential in planning surgical approaches and predicting prognoses. Details of the surgery, morbidity, and outcome of these patients are presented.     

Transoral and combined transoral–transcervical approach in the surgery of parapharyngeal tumors

The goal of parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumor surgery is to obtain adequate visualization to ensure complete removal with preservation of the surrounding nerves and vessels. Different surgical approaches have been described. Transoral approach is the most controversial one due to cited limited exposure, risk of tumor spillage, and possibility of neurovascular injury. We performed retrospective analysis of 26 consecutive patients who had undergone transoral or combined transoral–transcervical resection of PPS tumors from January 1997 to December 2007. Both approaches were safely employed to remove selected PPS tumors. Majority of treated tumors were pleomorphic adenomas (14 minor salivary gland and 7 deep lobe parotid gland tumors). Two cases of malignant salivary gland tumors, 4 nerve sheath tumors and 1 lymphangioma were also excised. Mean tumor size was 6.1 cm (range 2–11 cm). Visualization was felt to be adequate and dissection safe. Radical resection was achieved in 24 cases. Near-total resection was achieved in two cases where otherwise other approach would be suitable but cannot be undertaken because of patient refusal and comorbidities. Patients with malignant tumors had postoperative radiotherapy. Radically treated cases are disease free. One of the near-totally resected tumors needed revision surgery. Neither major complications nor disordered healing were observed. Transoral approach provides access to selected cases of PPS tumors based on preoperative imaging methods and fine-needle aspiration cytology. Risk of non-radical resection is acceptable. It can be combined with external approach to achieve safe resection of some benign tumors which would need transmandibular approach.     

内镜辅助下咽旁隙肿瘤切除术的临床应用

目的探讨内镜辅助下咽旁隙肿瘤切除术的临床应用的价值。方法收集2016年2月~2018年2月于上海交通大学医学院附属第九人民医院耳鼻咽喉头颈外科行内镜辅助下咽旁隙肿瘤切除术患者16 例,其中颈外径路12 例,经口径路2 例,联合径路2 例,分析并总结将内镜应用于咽旁隙肿瘤切除术的方法及优势。结果16 例患者均完整切除肿瘤,其中恶性肿瘤4 例,良性肿瘤12 例。所有患者均无永久性并发症。所有原发性咽旁隙良恶性肿瘤患者术后随访12~34个月均无复发。 结论内镜辅助下咽旁隙肿瘤切除术可以完整切除咽旁隙肿瘤而无需截断下颌骨,具有手术创伤小,并发症发生率低的优点,值得研究及推广应用。     

Transoral robotic resection of selected parapharyngeal space tumors

Currently, transoral robotic surgery (TORS) with the daVinci robot is mainly used for squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx and supraglottic larynx. The safety, efficacy, and functional outcomes regarding this approach have previously been described. In addition to transoral resection of squamous cell carcinoma, we have found use for this technique in removing selected tumors of the parapharyngeal space. Three patients with benign or malignant tumors of the parapharyngeal space who underwent successful transoral resection using the daVinci robot were included in the study. In all three cases, complete tumor excision was achieved without any complication. None required conversion to an open procedure. Mean TORS operative time and intraoperative blood loss were 16.3 min and 4.7 mL, respectively. Inadequate oral exposure, involvement of the internal carotid artery, limited cervical spine mobility and large tumor size are the main limitations of this approach. Result indicates that magnified view, 3D visualization with the combination of the transoral robotic experience, allow en bloc resection of selected parapharyngeal space tumors located medial to the carotid sheath.     

Parapharyngeal space tumors. Presentation of three cases and literature review

Tumors originating in the parapharyngeal space are rare. Eighty percent of the parapharyngeal space neoplasms are benign, and 20% are malignant. The most frequent tumours of this localization are those of salivary origin followed by neurogenic tumor and in third place the paragangliomas. This paper presents three representative cases of parapharyngeal space neoplasms. The literature is reviewed.     

内镜下口内径路咽旁隙肿瘤切除术的临床分析

目的探讨内镜下口内径路咽旁隙肿瘤切除术的临床疗效及可行性。方法回顾性分析江门市中心医院2013年7月~2017年8月采用内镜下口内径路切除的15例咽旁隙肿瘤患者的临床资料。15例患者主要症状表现为咽部异物感、吞咽梗阻感、打鼾及发声含糊等,但部分患者无任何症状,仅影像学检查显示咽旁隙占位性病变。所有患者采用内镜下口内径路切除肿瘤。结果15例患者手术均进行顺利,术后均无面颈部皮肤切口瘢痕,无一例出现术区感染、出血、声嘶等并发症,随访6个月至4年,肿瘤均未见复发。结论内镜下口内径路咽旁隙肿瘤切除术是一种治疗咽旁隙肿瘤的有效方法。通过内镜系统的辅助,该术式有效的解决了视野暴露小、操作空间狭小、手术存在盲目性等弊端,具有创伤小、恢复快、治愈率高及美容等优点,值得临床推广。     

Malignant myoepithelioma of the parapharyngeal space — a case report

Malignant myoepithelioma (MM) of parapharyngeal space provide both a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Malignant myoepitheliomas are rare tumour of salivary glands. Most occur in the parotid gland, few other sites of origin are described. Malignant myoepithelioma of the parapharyngeal space are extremely rare with only a few cases has been reported. We present a case of malignant myoepithelioma in the parapharyngeal space and discuss its diagnostic and therapeutic aspects.     

Neoplasms of the vagus nerve

A tumor of the vagus nerve often, is discovered unexpectedly at operation. We report 36 of these rare neoplasms in 35 patients. The majority of the tumors presented as a mass in the upper cervical or parapharyngeal region. Usually the mass was asymptomatic. The following types and frequencies of neoplasms of the vagus nerve were noted: paragangliomas, 50%; neurilemmomas, 31%; neurofibromas, 14%; and neurofibrosarcomas, 6%. Surgical resection, with preservation of the vagus nerve when possible, is the treatment of choice. The clinical features, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of the tumors are presented. Special problems that occur with vagal neoplasms include postoperative dysfunction, catecholamine secretion, and intracranial or skull-base extension.