title: Giant Parapharyngeal Space Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Deep Lobe of Parotid Presenting as Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: A Case Report & Review of the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Salivary gland tumours constitute about less than 4 % of all head and neck tumours. Pleomorphic adenoma, also called benign mixed tumour, is the most common tumour of the salivary glands. About 80-90 % of these tumours occur in the major salivary gland mainly parotid gland and 10 % of them occur in the minor salivary glands.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Aim of this case report is to discuss the unique case of giant parotid pleomorphic adenomas arising in the deep lobe involving the parapharyngeal space and difficulty in respiration at sleep during nights repoted at this institute. The patient was undergoing treatment for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome when she reported at this institute for disturbed sleep. Diagnosis was based on computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging and cytology by means of fine needle aspiration biopsy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An exhaustive pre-operative diagnostic algorithm is mandatory before approaching such lesions involving parapharyngeal space. Fine needle aspiration biopsy is, in our opinion, mandatory to avoid histological surprises. The surgical approach varies according to the location of the tumour and should provide excellent visibility with wide surgical exposure to secure local neurovascular structures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Craniofacial Surgery, Meditrina Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur, India.
authors.forename: Abhay N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Datarkar
authors.affiliation: Department of Craniofacial Surgery, Meditrina Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur, India.
authors.forename: Ajay
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Deshpande
keywords: Deep lobe pleomorphic adenoma; Mandibular swing; Obstructive sleep apnea; Tran cervical approach