ObjectiveTo explore the application value of transcervicaltransparotid approach (TCTPA) and expansion operation in the surgical treatment of parapharyngeal space tumors.MethodsClinical data of 29 patients with parapharyngeal skull base tumors surgically treated via TCTPA from Jan. 2009 to April 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. Of them, TCTPA was adopted to resect recurrent tumor of skull base and parapharyngeal space in 2 cases, TCTPA combined with interruption and reposition of mandibular ascending branch in one case of recurrent pleomorphic adenomas in the parapharyngeal space with skull base involved, TCTPA combined with partial posterior margin removal of the mandibular ascending branch in 2 of pleomorphic adenomas in the parapharyngeal space with skull base involved, TCTPA combined with forward retraction of mandible in 22 cases, endoscopeassisted TCPTA in 2 cases with recurrent neurogenic tumor in the parapharyngeal space.ResultsSurgical resection was performed successfully in all the 29 patients including 2 with malignant tumors and 27 with benign tumors. Among 27 benign tumors, 25 were pleomorphic adenomas and 2 were recurrent neurogenic tumors. Of the 25 pleomorphic adenomas, 3 were recurrent. No postoperative complications such as bleeding and restriction of mouth opening occurred. Postoperative tracheotomy was performed in 2 cases of recurrent benign tumors, and tracheal decannulation was achieved one month after surgery. The survival time of one patient with recurrent malignant tumor was 3 years, while that of another one was 1 year and 7 months.ConclusionTCTPA is not only suitable for resection of most parapharyngeal space tumors, but also can be extended appropriately according to the nature of the tumors and the involved extent of the skull base in order to achieve effective tumor removal with protection of important anatomical structures.