[Surgical indications and approaches for parapharyngeal space tumors].

In the 20-years from 1991 to 2010, we pathologically diagnosed 24 subjects with parapharyngeal space tumors by biopsying and/or resecting of 24 tumors. Of these, 18 were benign and 6 malignant. Pleomorphic adenoma and schwannoma predominated, accounting for 7 cases each. Enhanced CT and MRI were very useful in diagnosis, judging involvement and localization, and assessing radiological and pathological tumor diagnosis. Important radiological factors are determining whether tumor origin is pre-or post-styloid, and how the tumor is enhanced in CT or MRI. We treated 15 subjects surgically, telling 9 the diagnosis, and used only biopsy or scans. It is vital in follow-up to determine long-term treatment response.