Intravagal paraganglioma: Report of a case and a discussion of vascular parapharyngeal masses

A case of intravagal paraganglioma that appeared as a parapharyngeal mass 1 year after tonsillectomy is discussed. The diagnosis of this lesion was based on angiographic findings, and subtraction views provided the best detail of the extent and nature of the mass. Excision was made nearly bloodless by initial ligation of the external carotid artery, followed by the application of direct pressure to the mass during dissection. The diagnosis of parapharyngeal vascular masses is discussed, and the pertinent literature is reviewed.