Branchial cyst of the parapharyngeal space: Report of a case and surgical approach considerations

Introduction: Neoplasms arising within the parapharyngeal space are rare and represent approximately 0.5% of all head and neck tumors. The majority of these lesions consist of minor salivary gland tumors, tumors of the deep lobe of the parotid gland, and tumors of neurogenic origin (paragangliomi and schwannomi), while branchial cysts are extremely rare. Despite advances in radiographic images, surgical excision remains the definitive technique for the diagnosis of parapharyngeal space tumors. Results and discussion: The authors report a case of branchial cyst of the parapharyngeal space excised through a combined transcervical-transmandibular approach and discuss the several surgical techniques proposed to approach this type of tumors. © Springer-Verlag 2008.