The infratemporal fossa approach for nasopharyngeal tumors.

Abstract

The technique and results of the infratemporal fossa surgical removal of carcinomas and juvenile angiofibromas of the nasopharynx are presented. Effective palliative removal of T4 and radical removal of T1 and T2 nasopharyngeal carcinomas was achieved. A classification of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is presented. The infratemporal fossa approach allows radical removal of type III tumors and subtotal removal of type IV tumors. If residual tumor has to be left back in the cavernous sinus, irradiation is used to stop further growth of the tumor. If radiotherapy fails the neurosurgical removal of the intracranial portion of the tumor is indicated.