Parapharyngeal causes of sleep apnea syndrome: two case reports and review of the literature

Abstract

Most patients with obstructive sleep apnea experience increased pharyngeal collapsibility which predisposes them to upper airway occlusion during sleep. Some patients with or without a higher-than-normal collapsibility may present other causes of sleep apnea syndrome. This article will focus on the parapharyngeal tumors leading to obstructive sleep apnea (OSAS). Two clinical cases will illustrate our review of the literature. The results of surgery will also be discussed.