Primary parapharyngeal space tumors in a Mexican cancer center

Parapharyngeal space is a rare location for head and neck tumors. Cervical approach should be the first choice for large tumors; transoral approach is reserved for tumors less than 3 cm. Conversion to mandibular swing approach when the cervical approach is not offering proper exposure for tumor resection is indicated. Preoperative histologic diagnosis is not required. Nevertheless, CT scan should always be performed in order to exclude paragangliomas, distinguish prestyloid from poststyloid lesions, and to assess the extension of the tumor as well as its relationship with adjacent structures.