Thyroid paraganglioma

Abstract

Paraganglioma of the thyroid gland is a rare neoplasm. Only eight cases have previously been reported. The neoplasm was confined to the thyroid in all but two patients; laryngeal involvement was seen in one and tracheal involvement in another. A review of these previously reported cases is presented along with the details of an additional case with laryngeal involvement. Laryngeal and thyroid paragangliomas are compared and contrasted. The anatomic and embryologic basis of these tumors and the diagnosis and treatment are discussed. We suggest changing the nomenclature and reporting of these lesions on the basis of their apparent common origin. Surgery remains the treatment of choice in most paragangliomas, including those involving the larynx and thyroid. Although the number of reported cases is small, there have been no cases of distant metastases or local recurrence after adequate surgical removal.