Neurogenic tumors of the parapharyngeal space are major surgery.
Neurogenic tumors of the parapharyngeal space account for 30% of parapharyngeal space tumors, most of which are nerve sheath tumors, neurofibromas, and paragangliomas originating from the IX-Ⅻ pairs of cerebral and sympathetic nerves.
Parapharyngeal nerve sheath tumors and neurofibromas grow very slowly, have a complete envelope, are hard, have a smooth surface, are often immobile, and are mostly found deep in the middle part of the neck. Paragangliomas are softer, grow rapidly and have a tendency of malignant transformation.
If the important nerves are damaged during the operation, cervical sympathetic nerve paralysis syndrome, paralysis of the lower branch of facial nerve, paralysis of soft palate and pharyngeal muscle, paralysis of hypoglossal nerve may occur after the operation, which can be cured by itself in mild cases, but it is not easy to be recovered in severe cases. Intraoperative damage to large blood vessels may result in hemorrhage, which is life-threatening.
Surgical treatment of parapharyngeal space neurogenic tumors usually undergoes systematic and comprehensive preoperative examination, and strict preoperative screening and evaluation. Patients should receive comprehensive treatment under the standardized diagnosis and treatment by experienced specialists.