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Review
. 2022 Nov 10;2(1):R153-R162.
doi: 10.1530/EO-22-0080. eCollection 2022 Jan.

Paragangliomas of the head and neck: a contemporary review

Nathan J Graham  1 , Joshua D Smith  1 , Tobias Else  2 , Gregory J Basura  1
Affiliations
Review

Paragangliomas of the head and neck: a contemporary review

Nathan J Graham et al. Endocr Oncol. .

Abstract

Head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs) are slow-growing, vascular, typically benign tumors whose growth may induce significant lower cranial nerve deficits. While most tumors arise sporadically, a significant portion is associated with defined genetic syndromes. While surgical resection has historically been the gold standard, management strategies have evolved with acknowledgement of high surgical morbidity, slow tumor growth rates, and technological advances. Conservative management approaches via observation and newer radiation therapy techniques have become more common. This review seeks to provide an update on contemporary management strategies for HNPGLs and future directions.

Keywords: carotid body; head and neck; jugular; paraganglioma; succinate dehydrogenase.

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Conflict of interest statement

Tobias Else is an associate editor on the editorial board of Endocrine Oncology. Tobias Else was not involved in the review or editorial process for this paper, on which he is listed as an author. No other conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
HNPGL subsites. Figure 1 was drawn based on images from Harrison (2009) and Gaillard (2015).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Intraoperative transmastoid approach of glomus jugulare invading up and through the skull base, the middle ear, through the ear canal, and eroding CN VII. The tumor was debulked prior to cable-grafting CN VII and over-closing the ear canal to prevent cholesteatoma.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Axial post-contrast MRI findings for Shamblin class I CBT (A), class II CBT (B), and class III CBT (C).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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