Parapharyngeal Space Tumors—What Lies in This Hidden Space?

The parapharyngeal or the lateral pharyngeal space is a potential anatomical space in the lateral neck extending from skull base to the hyoid bone. The fascial attachment between the styloid process and tensor veli palatini muscle divides this space into two compartments – pre styloid and post styloid. Primary tumors arising from this hidden space are quite rare and demand reasonable doubts and advanced surgical expertise in management. We describe our experience in managing these tumors and the varied surgical approaches.