EXCISION OF PARAPHARYNGEAL BRANCHIAL CYST S WITH ORAL OR CERVICAL APPROACH

Branchial cysts located in the parapharyngeal space are extremely rare ; only seven cases were described in the literature between 1927 and t oday. In Quebec City, two cases were operated on during the last 3 yea rs. Often, many antibiotic and surgical treatments have been inefficie ntly used, before getting to the correct diagnosis and final curative treatment. We stress the importance of a detailed evaluation of the le sion and of a noninvasive surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging is the p rimary imaging modality for parapharyngeal space masses, and surgical excision using the transoral approach is advantageous in selected case s.