What anatomical spaces surround the parapharyngeal space, and how do masses in these spaces typically displace the parapharyngeal space?

The parapharyngeal space is bordered by the carotid space posteriorly, the parotid space laterally, the masticator space anteriorly, and the superficial mucosal space medially. Masses in the mucosal space compress the parapharyngeal space medially, carotid sheath masses displace it anteriorly, parotid masses push it medially, and masticator space masses displace it posteriorly and medially. Key diagnostic features include the direction of displacement and the nature of the mass, which can help differentiate between benign and malignant lesions. A common pitfall is mistaking a medially displaced parapharyngeal space for a primary lesion rather than a secondary effect of an adjacent space mass.