## Overview Neoplasia of the retropharyngeal lymph nodes, most often lymphosarcoma, creates a space-occupying mass that compresses the pharynx. Signs include progressive difficulty swallowing, respiratory noise, weight loss, and external swelling in the parotid region. Endoscopy shows dorsal pharyngeal compression. ## Causes Lymphoma or other neoplasia. ## Diagnosis Endoscopy, ultrasound, and biopsy or cytology of the mass. ## Treatment Palliative corticosteroids or chemotherapy. Surgical removal is rarely feasible. Prognosis is poor. ## Recovery and Prognosis Poor. Survival is typically short. ## Prevention None.
progressive dysphagia; respiratory stridor; weight loss; dorsal pharyngeal compression on endoscopy; parotid-region swelling
## Overview Neoplasia of the retropharyngeal lymph nodes, most often lymphosarcoma, creates a space-occupying mass that compresses the pharynx. Signs include progressive difficulty swallowing, respiratory noise, weight loss, and external swelling in the parotid region. Endoscopy shows dorsal pharyngeal compression. ## Causes Lymphoma or other neoplasia. ## Diagnosis Endoscopy, ultrasound, and biopsy or cytology of the mass. ## Treatment Palliative corticosteroids or chemotherapy. Surgical removal is rarely feasible. Prognosis is poor. ## Recovery and Prognosis Poor. Survival is typically short. ## Prevention None.
progressive dysphagia; respiratory stridor; weight loss; dorsal pharyngeal compression on endoscopy; parotid-region swelling