The buccal space: a doorway for percutaneous CT-guided biopsy of the parapharyngeal region.

ABSTRACT

We performed percutaneous CT-guided needle biopsies with a transfacial approach in the diagnosis of lesions of the parapharyngeal region. Via the buccal space, core needle biopsy specimens were obtained in eight patients with known parapharyngeal abnormalities identified by CT and/or MR imaging. In all cases, sufficient tissue was obtained to provide a definitive histologic diagnosis. There were no significant complications. This approach provides a reliable method for evaluation of parapharyngeal lesions.