Findings:
No intra or extra-axial mass lesion or collection is identified. The ventricles and sulcal spaces are within normal limits. The midline structures are normal with no midline shift.
The brain parenchyma is unremarkable.
Fluid is seen in the right-sided mastoid air cells. The paranasal sinuses and the mastoid air cells are otherwise clear.
A well-defined, round lesion is seen in the left parapharyngeal space, abutting the deep lobe of the parotid and measuring 3.5 x 3.5 x 3.5 cm. The lesion appears heterogeneously T2, STIR hyperintense and T1 hypointense. No evidence of flow voids within the lesion. The lesion displaces the internal carotid artery anteriorly and the external carotid artery laterally, separating the vessels, but not encasing them. Mild compression of the left internal jugular vein is seen at the level of the lesion.
Prominent nasopharyngeal adenoid is noted again.
No new lesions. Non-specific bilateral cervical lymph nodes are seen.
No evidence of any similar lesions in the mediastinum or in the abdomen. The solid upper abdominal organs are unremarkable.
Conclusion:
Left carotid bifurcation lesion, likely in keeping with carotid body tumour, DDX vagal schwannoma. No further lesions could be identified.