The utility of fine needle aspiration to identify unusual pathology in a parapharyngeal mass

The parapharyngeal space is a complex and well-defined anatomical zone lying lateral to the pharynx and medial to the ramus of the mandible. Although tumors of this space are rare, the parapharyngeal space is difficult to examine clinically; and diagnostic modalities of computerized tomographic scanning and magnetic resonance imaging are primarily used in the evaluation of parapharyngeal space lesions. We present a case report of a second branchial cleft sinus of the parapharyngeal space diagnosed with the assistance of fine needle aspiration (FNA), and we recommend FNA of parapharyngeal masses to provide definitive preoperative diagnoses.