Two Cases of Tumor in the Parapharyngeal Space

Two cases of tumor in the parapharyngeal space were reported. On CT scan, MRI, CAG and Ga scintigraphy, both tumors extended almost to the skull base and removed by external cervical incision. Histopathological examination revealed schwannoma in both cases. In one case, the tumor was considered to have originated from the vagal nerve because the vagal nerve was found in the tumor and dysfunction of the ipsilateral vocal fold was observed postoperatively. In the other case, the origin was not clear.Previous literature on tumors in the parapharyngeal space was reviewed. It was possible to estimate the extent and the internal status of the tumor and to evaluate the relationship between the tumor and the surrounding tissue by CT and MRI. It is, however, difficult to remove the tumor by the oral method in cases with a huge tumor, since the structure of the parapharyngeal space is anatomically complex. Therefore, tumors in the parapharyngeal space are thought to have clinical importance, although they are relatively rare.