[Differential diagnosis of parapharyngeal tumors--the vagus neurinoma].

Abstract

Among the tumours of the head and neck, only a small percentage is located in the parapharyngeal space. These are divided into salivary gland, neurogenic and so-called miscellaneous tumours. Two cases of vagus neurinoma are reported, and the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects are discussed. The neoplasms usually grow to a large size before they are treated, because they grow slowly and the signs and symptoms are non-specific. A latero-cervical approach is recommended for extirpation for diagnostic purposes.