Otic fullness as a first symptom in parapharyngeal space pathology

Abstract

Parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors are infrequent and account for 0.5%-1% of head and neck neoplasms. Therefore, they represent a diagnostic challenge. The dis- tribution of PPS tumors is as follows: 40% salivary tumors, followed by neurogenic tumors and adenopathies. We report a case of a 50 year old woman that presented with a 3-month history of otic fullness and pharyngeal disturbances. The otolaryngological examination showed PPS pathology that was confirmed by radiological images. Surgical excision by transcervical-transparotid approach was performed followed by uncompli- cated healing with no recurrence in one year. The histological examination reported a pleomorphic parotid adenoma. The authors provide a discussion of the etiopathogene- sis, diagnosis and treatment of this type of lesions. This clinical manuscript may shed light on the importance of a complete otolaryngological examination in a patient with unspecific symptoms considering that the PPS is a complex anatomic region and its pathology can easily go unnoticed.