Basal cell adenoma in the parapharyngeal space: MR findings

We report MR findings of a case of basal cell adenoma arising in the parapharyngeal space. On MR imaging, the mass was a well-circumscribed cystic and solid tumor with a thin fibrous capsule and intratumoral hemorrhage. It was confined to the parapharyngeal space, separating from the deep lobe of the parotid gland. The solid portion of the tumor was slightly hypointense/hyperintense to the muscle on T1-/T2-weighted images and was relatively well enhanced on Gd-enhanced T1-weighted images. The cystic contents of the mass were hyperintense on both T1- and T2-weighted images and were proven to be a hemorrhage.