A Case of Chronic Tonsillitis Mimicking a Parapharyngeal Space Tumor / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

Parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors are extremely rare, composing only 0.5% of all head and neck tumors. The PPS is shaped like an inverted pyramid bounded by the skull base superiorly and hyoid bone inferiorly. Recently, we experienced a 55-year-old female patient who visited the clinic with a presumed PPS tumor that had been incidentally identified by neck MRI. The patient underwent surgery for the removal of tumor by transoral approach following tonsillectomy. However, contrary to the initial expectations, no tumors were visible at the operative field and only observed were the evidence of chronic inflammatory tissues within the removed tonsil. To date, chronic follicular tonsillitis mimicking a PPS tumor has not been reported in the literature. Therefore, we report this case with a brief discussion of points to consider supported by a review of relevant literature.