Parapharyngeal cancer is a type of throat cancer that forms in the pharynx, the hollow tube that runs from the back of the nose to the top of the esophagus. The pharynx has three distinct parts: the nasopharynx (upper part), the oropharynx (middle part, including the back of the mouth, base of the tongue, and tonsils), and the hypopharynx (lower part). Cancer can form in the cells of all three areas and has different characteristics depending on its location.
This cancer develops in the pharynx, which is the hollow tube that runs from behind your nose to the top of your windpipe. Pharyngeal cancers that develop in the neck and throat include:
Tumors of the parapharyngeal space (PPS), a potential space lateral to the upper pharynx, are rare.
Parapharyngeal space tumors are typically asymptomatic and patients become aware of them only when a bulge develops in the palate or sidewall of the throat near the tonsils.
The diagnosis and characterization of these tumors require appropriate imaging studies such as MRI and a CT scan to understand the nature and the biology of the growths.
The vast majority of these tumors are benign so don't worry and don’t hesitate to consult Dr. Saurabh Gupta to learn more about Parapharyngeal Cancer and its treatment.
