The differential diagnosis of the parapharyngeal mass.

Background: Parapharyngeal lesions are rare, Tumors arising in the paraphar yngeal space can be silent clinically for a long period of time. physical f indings like dislocation of the pharyngeal walls or cervical swelling are o ften recognized by chance. Material and Methods: Representing three cases o f parapharyngeal tumors the differential diagnosis of parapharyngeal masses and the importance of the magnetic resonance imaging will be shown. Conclu sions: Mostly parapharyngeal masses are represented by salivary gland tumor s (40%-50%) The second most common tumors in the parapharyngeal space are n eurogenic tumors (17%-25%). Paragangliomas are the third group of common pa rapharyngeal lesions (10%-15%). A mixed group of lesions like branchial cle ft cysts, lymph nodes and hematogenic tumors represent the remaining part: of the parapharyngeal masses (10%-33%), Most of the lesions (80%) are benig n. Because of the magnetic response imaging a reliable preoperative diagnos is is possible in more than 80% of the tumors. The surgical management may also be influenced by the location of the tumor shown in the magnetic reson ance imaging.