[Infratemporal region extension of malignant tumors of the parotid with deep development. Hypotheses on deep extension of parotid tumors according to benign or malignant characteristics].
The infratemporal and paratonsillar regions can be the site of propagation of parotid tumors. Our personal experience with 3 cases of malignant parotid tumors extending into the infratemporal region and the study of the literature seem to show that: benign tumors, such as pleiomorphic adenomas, develop in depth towards the paratonsillar regin and not towards the infratemporal region; and conversely, malignant tumors rather invade the infratemporal regin and not the paratonsillar region. This extension occurs along the neurovascular axis through Juvara's retrocondylar buttonhole. If this notion was confirmed, it might have a semiological and therapeutic interest.