Abstract: Objective　To improve the diagnostic and curative level of the deep lobe tumor of the parolid gland occupying the parapharyngeal space and to reduce the postoperative complications. Methods　Records of 20 patients with the deep lobe tumor of the parolid gland operated from 2004 to 2010 were reviewed．Results　17 patients with benign tumors were all cured；3 patients with malignant tumors survived, and they were followed up for more than 2 years, and no tumor recrudesced in this period. No case with serious complication has occurred．Conclusion　The nature of the deep lobe tumor of the parolid gland occupying the parapharyngeal space is almost benign and pleomorphic adenoma is the most common tumor．CT and MRI images clearly showed the position，size，confine，velvet of tumor edge and the relationship between tumor and important peripheral structure, which was essential for diagnosis and pre-surgical planning. The cervical-parotid approach is the preferred procedure for the deep lobe tumor of the parolid gland.

Key words: parapharyngeal space, parotid tumor, diagnosis, operative