Intraoral approach for the removal of a pleomorphic adenoma of the parapharyngeal space

The parapharyngeal space (PPS) is a deep anatomical space with the shape of an inverted pyramid, with the greater cornu of the hyoid bone at its apex and the base of the skull as the floor. It is divided by muscular aponeurotic partition into an anterior (prestyloid) muscular compartment and a posterior (poststyloid) neurovascular compartment. Parapharyngeal space tumors are rare and comprise approximately 0.5% of head and neck tumors. Most tumors of the parapharyngeal space are benign. Tumors of the salivary gland are the most frequently observed neoplasms, with the pleomorphic adenoma being the most usual histological type. The aim of this article was to report the management of a case of pleomorphic adenoma involving the PPS, that was surgically excised via an intraoral approach.