Deep lobe parotid gland pleomorphic adenoma involving the parapharyngeal space

Abstract

Pleomorphic adenomas are slow growing, well-demarcated benign neoplasms that constitute more than 80% of benign parotid tumours. Deep lobe parotid pleomorphic adenomas are rare tumors that present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Approximately 10-12% of pleomorphic adenomas of the parotid are thought to arise from the deep lobe of parotid. Due to anatomical relations and restrictive boundaries of the deep lobe, parapharyngeal extensions may remain asymptomatic until reaching a very large size. These tumors have a variety of distinct clinical presentations, most commonly arising from the portion of the gland deep to the facial nerve lateral to the mandible. We present a case of deep lobe parotid gland pleomorphic adenoma involving the parapharyngeal space in a 38 year old female.

Keywords

• Parapharyngeal space
• pleomorphic adenoma
• salivary gland tumour