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Case Reports
. 2024 Mar 7;16(3):e55720.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.55720. eCollection 2024 Mar.

Exploring Head and Neck Paraganglioma: A Case Report

Soumiya Samba  1   2 , Ahmed Bensghier  1   2 , Souad Margoum  1   2 , Soufiane Berhili  1   2 , Mohamed Moukhlissi  1   2 , Loubna Mezouar  1   2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Exploring Head and Neck Paraganglioma: A Case Report

Soumiya Samba et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Paragangliomas (PGLs) are tumors that are rarely malignant; the majority of them are benign. Similar to pheochromocytoma, they develop from the autonomic nerve system. This system originates from neural crest cells and can undergo neoplastic transformation. PGLs can arise either inside or outside the adrenal glands. Head and neck PGLs are very scarce. The primary locations where this tumor commonly originates within this region are the carotid body, jugular bulb, and vagal body. Hence, in our case report, we attempt to highlight the uncommon presentation of this disease in a 46-year-old female, who initially presented with hypertension and persistent dysphonia. The patient underwent successful external radiotherapy. This case report aims to raise awareness of the characteristics of these rare malignancies.

Keywords: autonomic nerve system; cancer; head and neck; paraganglioma; pheochromocytoma.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Physical examination showing a lingual deviation
Figure 2
Figure 2. Clinical examination showing a falling left shoulder with amyotrophy of the trapezius muscle
Figure 3
Figure 3. Otoscopic examination indicated the presence of a cyan mushroom-like growth in the tympanic membrane.
Figure 4
Figure 4. Cerebral MRI showing a left tympano-jugular tumor process (red arrow) measuring 39 x 29 mm responsible for osteolysis of the jugular foramen, with lobulated contours, containing flow voids on the T2 sequence with intense, homogenenous enhancement after contrast, evoking a paraganglioma
A: T1 injected; B: T1 non-injected; C: T2
Figure 5
Figure 5. Radiotherapy was administered following the recommended doses for the brainstem
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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