Carotid sheath tumor--a diagnostic challenge.

The tumor within the carotid sheath described in this article is unusual in that its clinical presentation mimicked a deep-lobe parotid tumor. Despite extensive investigation with conventional sialography, technetium pertechnetate scintigraphy, and computerized axial tomography, the correct preoperative diagnosis was not established. The value of CAT scanning in the diagnosis of parapharyngeal tumors is demonstrated.