부인두강 종양으로 오인된 만성 편도염 1예

Abstract

Parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors are extremely rare, composing only 0.5% of all head andneck tumors. The PPS is shaped like an inverted pyramid bounded by the skull base superiorlyand hyoid bone inferiorly. Recently, we experienced a 55-year-old female patient who visitedthe 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 operativefield and only observed were the evidence of chronic inflammatory tissues within the removedtonsil. To date, chronic follicular tonsillitis mimicking a PPS tumor has not been reported inthe literature. Therefore, we report this case with a brief discussion of points to consider supportedby a review of relevant literature.