Figure 5b. Subzygomatic approach. (a) CT scan shows a mass (M) in the right pharyngeal mucosal space that extends into the carotid space and encases the carotid artery (arrowhead). (b) CT scan shows a biopsy needle (solid arrow) inserted through a small anterior portion of the parotid gland (arrowhead). The needle passes anterior to the mandibular condyle (c) and through the lateral pterygoid muscle (m) and parapharyngeal space (open arrow) into the anterior portion of the mass (M), away from the expected position of the internal carotid artery.