Basal cell adenoma in the parapharyngeal space resected via trans-oral approach aided by endoscopy: Case series and a review of the literature

RATIONALE: Basal cell adenoma (BCA) is a rare benign salivary gland tumor. It is difficult to be completely resected when arising in parapharyngeal space. A contemporary trend is to develop minimally invasive approaches on the premises of safety and complete resection. PATIENT CONCERNS: Three patients were referred to our ENT Outpatient Department with the chief complaint of an uncomfortable throat. CT or MRI revealed a unilateral mass in the parapharyngeal space, round or oval in shape, with well-defined borders. DIAGNOSES: CT and MRI provided useful information for the preoperative evaluation. The appearance of large-scale cystic components may be an important clue for the diagnosis of BCA. PET/CT images were also available in one case. The final diagnoses were all basal cell adenomas (tubular type) in parapharyngeal space according to the regular histopathological examination after surgery. INTERVENTIONS: All three cases were completely resected by a trans-oral approach. The average operative time and estimated blood loss were 86 (range, 61–106) min and 116.7 (range, 50–200) mL, respectively. Endoscopy was used in the largest case to further assess the residual cavity after the complete resection and hemostasis. OUTCOMES: Postoperative recovery courses were quick and uneventful, with no neurovascular complication. Patients were discharged on the 3(rd)–5(th) day after surgery on an oral diet. One patient reported symptoms of velopharyngeal incompetence, manifested as mild slurred speech and nighttime salivation, for up to 3 months, which recovered spontaneously thereafter. There was no evidence of recurrence in the follow-up period. LESSONS: In our experience, the trans-oral approach appeared to be effective, safe, and less invasive for extirpation of selected basal cell adenomas in the parapharyngeal space. An assistance of endoscopy facilitates the surgery.