Differential diagnosis of cervical space occupying lesion: the parapharyngeal rhabdomyoma]

A case of a parapharyngeal rhabdomyoma is presented. Only about 30 cases of this benign tumor of striated muscles are reported in the literature. Most tumors were located in the lateral cervical region. Histologically a rhabdomyoma must be distinguished from other mesenchymal tumors, especially from granular cell myoblastoma, hibernoma and reticulohistiocytoma. The value of magnetic resonance imaging in the radiological evaluation of parapharyngeal masses is emphasized. Operative resection is generally regarded as the therapy of choice. Local recurrences have been reported in some cases; malignant degeneration is not known.