Giant Ectopic Minor Salivary Gland Tumour in Parapharyngeal Space

Abstract

Introduction: Para pharyngeal tumours are rare head neck masses (0.5%). Most of them are benign. Deep location of this space and surrounding structures has led to emergence of many different approaches to this space reflecting the intrinsic difficulty in surgical access. Case Report: An ectopic Minor salivary pleomorphic adenoma of para pharyngeal space with massive extension. Discussion: Para pharyngeal space has complex anatomy, its deep location and relationship with vital structures renders a surgical challenge. Clinical examination of the space is difficult, so imaging plays a major role to know its origin and extension. Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common tumour from the extension of deep lobe of Parotid gland but very rarely from the ectopic minor salivary glands. Excision of benign parapharyngeal space tumours is possible without mandibulotomy even in the case of a large tumour mass reducing patient morbidity and hospital stay.

Keywords

• Parapharyngeal space
• pleomorphic adenoma
• minor salivary gland