Dumbbell-shaped solitary fibrous tumor in the parapharyngeal space: A case report

BACKGROUND: Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) occurring in the parapharyngeal space are rare, and their final diagnosis depends on pathological and immunohistochemical analyses. Once the tumor is diagnosed, complete resection and regular postoperative follow-up are required. CASE SUMMARY: A 40-year-old male patient with a right parotid gland mass discovered 8 years ago was admitted to hospital. The mass showed no tenderness or local skin redness. Imaging was carried out as the patient had stable vital signs and showed that the mass was a dumbbell-shaped tumor comprising a superficial tumor approximately 5 cm long and 3 cm wide in size that compressed the right parotid gland and a deep tumor located in the right parapharyngeal space approximately 4.5 cm long and 2.5 cm wide in size. Both tumors were connected in the middle. Prior to surgery, the tumors were considered to be parapharyngeal schwannomas. During surgical dissection, the tumors were found to be smooth and tough, without obvious adhesion to the surrounding tissues. The tumors were revealed to be a SFT following postoperative pathological analysis. CONCLUSION: SFTs in the parapharyngeal space are rarely reported, and complete resection of such tumor is recommended. Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy is used in patients with extensive tumor invasion to lower the recurrence rate. Postoperative long-term follow-up is required.