Benign Epipharyngeal Tumours

Abstract

In the literature on benign epipharyngeal tumours primarily the juvenile nasopharyngeal fibroma-“Nasenrachenfibrom”-has been discussed, particularly with respect to the therapeutic problems presented by these tumours. During recent years, however, it has been pointed out in some collocations of cases of pharyngeal and epipharyngeal tumours that in addition to commonplace tumours-lipoma and simple fibroma-other benign tumours and especially neurinomata are not so rare as had earlier been assumed. Localization of these tumours is more common in the pharynx than in the epipharynx. The tumours in the pharynx, which often attain appreciable size before giving rise to symptoms, are usually sited in the retropharyngeal region. Somers (1952) presented 29 cases of neurogenous tumour in the pharynx taken from the literature and reported one personal case. Huet (1952) published 3 cases and Hamberger (1954) 9 personal cases of pharyngeal neurinoma. The latter emphasizes that in certain cases these tumours can, in the course of their growth, extend up to the base of the skull and thus because of their extent even engage the epipharynx. He has also attempted to establish the point of origin of these tumour forms and recommends operative approach through external incision in order to obtain the best possible visual field, thus avoiding injury to vessels and nerves in the operation.

A brief review of the literature on benign epipharyngeal tumours is presented together with a report of four cases (branchiogenous cyst, mucous and salivary gland tumour, glioma and neurinoma). Peroral operation and approach through external incision are discussed.