Parapharyngeal space

The parapharyngeal space (also termed the lateral pharyngeal space), is a potential space in the head and the neck. It has clinical importance in otolaryngology due to parapharyngeal space tumours and parapharyngeal abscess developing in this area. It is also a key anatomic landmark for localizing disease processes in the surrounding spaces of the neck, due to displacement of this space indirectly reflecting the site of origin for masses or infection in adjacent areas, and consequently their appropriate differential diagnosis.