LARGE EXTRANODAL NON HODGKIN'S LYMPHOMA OF THE PARAPHARYNGEAL SPACE

Of all head and neck tumors, 0.5% to 0.8% of them are localized in the parapharyngeal space. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas in this site are extremely rare. There are described in literature as either isolated cases or small series of tumors of that space. We are showing a case of a younger man presented with the recent facial nerve paralysis, hearing loss, otalgia and on the examination seen bulged right side of the soft palate and medialization of the pharyngeal wall. The biopsy was performed transorally. The pathohistology finding described a large B cell non-Hodgkin ?s lymphoma. Usually, the parapharyngeal tumors are benign and the surgery is the treatment of choice. In this case patient underwent chemotherapy. We point out, although rare, extranodal non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas are possible pathological findings in the head and neck. Because of different treatment it is of great importance to know when we deal with this kind of pathology.