Abstract
Objectives: Parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors account for 0.5% of head and neck neoplasms. The majority of these are salivary gland neoplasms or neurogenic tumors. We report a rare case of a hemangioma of the PPS in a pediatric patient and discuss the radiographic workup, treatment, and pathologic features of these lesions.
Methods: Retrospective case review.
Results: A 16-year-old healthy female presented with right tonsillar fullness. Fine needle aspiration returned dark, bloody fluid. Radiographic studies suggested a vascular lesion of the PPS. The patient had uneventful surgical resection performed via a transcervical approach. Pathology showed a vascular lesion, confirmed by immunohistochemistry staining, consistent with arterial venous hemangioma.
Conclusion: Hemangiomas rarely occur in the PPS. Radiographic imaging is useful in differentiating hemangiomas from more commonly occurring lesions of the PPS. Parapharyngeal space hemangiomas may be managed safely through a transcervical approach without preoperative embolization.