A Rare Case of de novo Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of Parapharyngeal Space: Excision by Mandibular Swing

Abstract

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of Parapharyngeal Space (PPS) not originating from parotid is a very rare finding. Tumours of PPS represent a formidable challenge to the surgeon in view of preoperative assessment and appropriate surgical approach. We present a clinical case of a mucoepidermoid carcinoma in the PPS in a 62-year-old female who presented to a tertiary care hospital with complaints of throat pain and difficulty in swallowing for duration of one month. Left parapharyngeal bulge was present on clinical examination and Computed Tomography (CT) revealed homogeneous non enhancing mass occupying left PPS. Intraoral fine needle aspiration cytology revealed features suggestive of mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Tumour was excised in toto using mandibular swing technique. It was a well encapsulated, dumb-bell shaped tumour separate from parotid with no invasion of surrounding tissue. Histopathology was consistent with low grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Patient was in follow up for past two years without any local recurrence or distant metastasis.

Keywords

• parapharyngeal bulge
• parotid gland
• tumour