Parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors are varied growths within parapharyngeal space. It is present between facial and prevertebral fascia region. 

Tumors in parapharyngeal space is a rare, hence it shows less than 1% of all head and neck neoplasms cases. PPS tumors originate from salivary or neurogenic tissues. 

Tumors in this region originate from various tissues such as salivary glands, neurovascular structures, lymphoid tissue, and connective tissue. 

Parapharyngeal space tumors are uncommon, so they carry small portion of head and neck cancers. 

Schwannomas and neurofibromas these are common neurogenic tumors. Malignant tumors in parapharyngeal space can originate from diverse tissues. 

Tumors in the parapharyngeal space can originate from different tissues. E.g., salivary glands 

Local invasion causes complications like cranial nerve palsies, vascular compromise, and metastasis. 

Symptoms vary based on tumor size, location, nature, affected structures, and compression or infiltration effects. 

Salivary neoplasms originate from deep parotid lobe, ectopic rests, or minor pharyngeal glands. 

Neoplasms from salivary glands in prestyloid parapharyngeal space make up 40% to 50% of lesions. They can originate from parotid gland, ectopic salivary rests, or minor glands in pharyngeal wall. 

Aggressive high-grade tumors have poor prognosis and metastasis risk. 

Complete surgical resection is vital for parapharyngeal space tumors. R0 resection has better outcomes than incomplete resection.
Metastasis to lymph nodes or distant organs affects prognosis in tumors. 

Parapharyngeal space tumors mostly found in adults aged between 30 to 60 years old. 

External Inspection 

Oral Examination 

Neck Examination 

Neurological Examination 

Patients may experience a gradual enlargement of a slow-growing mass or swelling in the lateral neck or throat area over time. 

Parapharyngeal space tumors present with nonspecific symptoms, mimicking other conditions, that leads to delays in diagnosis. Common complaints include painless masses in the lateral neck or throat region. 

Early intervention procedures include adjuvant therapy, occupational therapy, and surgical resection to give better results in given treatment. 

Follow up studies and evaluation of clinical status are required. Appointments with medical physicians and preventing recurrence of infection is an ongoing life-long effort. 

Appointments with medical physicians and preventing recurrence of disorder is an ongoing life-long effort. 

Otolaryngology

Education should be given to individuals about cautious with activities that could cause pharyngeal tumor. 

Patient should stay in adequate conditions with good ventilation, air quality and a clean environment. 

Education should be given to individuals about cautious with activities that could cause this type of pharyngeal tumor. 

Otolaryngology

Cisplatin is platinum chemo drug causing DNA damage, which inhibits synthesis and causes cell death. 

It is used as part of combined chemotherapy for head and neck cancers, Parapharyngeal space included in treatment. 

Carboplatin: It is given as IV route alone or with other chemo drugs for head and neck cancers, including those from parapharyngeal space. 

Otolaryngology

Comprehensive preoperative evaluation necessary for parapharyngeal space tumors includes history, physical exam, and imaging like CT or MRI. 

Surgical resection is the primary treatment for parapharyngeal space tumors, using various techniques such as trans cervical, trans parotid, and trans mandibular approaches. 

Otolaryngology

A detailed family history and physical examination of patient is conducted by healthcare specialist in diagnosis phase to identify signs and symptoms of pharyngeal tumors. 

The regular follow-up visits with the physician are required to check the improvement of patients and newly observed complaints along with treatment response. 

Long-term management phase is a very important phase which involves continuous monitoring, supportive care, and surveillance for late effects of treatment.