Elongated styloid process: an overview

Abstract

Stylalgia is a condition that causes a dull, nagging pain in the oropharynx, often referred to the ear and the mastoid region. The clinical diagnosis is certain if the elongated styloid process is palpated through the tonsillar area. Radiological investigations, such as orthopantomograms, give information about the medial angulation. The treatment of choice is surgical shortening of the process. Trans-tonsillar fossa excision is a simple technique and does not involve greater morbidity than a routine tonsillectomy.