Chondrosarcoma in the Parapharyngeal Space; Site of Origin an Enigma

Chondrosarcoma in the Parapharyngeal Space; Site of Origin an Enigma:

Abstract

Chondrosarcoma of the head and neck region is a rare disease, representing approximately 0.1% of all head and neck neoplasms. We present a case of a 30 year old male who presented with swelling in the right retroauricular region since 4 years. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography showed lesion with its epicentre in the post styloid compartment of right parapharyngeal space with superior extent around the petrous apex. The surgical procedure considered was excision. Surgical excision was challenging in view of difficult surgical access due to close and intricate relation with neurovascular structures of head and neck and an unsual pattern of spread.