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Paraganglioma as a systemic syndrome: pitfalls and strategies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

W. Maier ,
N. Marangos  and
R. Laszig
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Abstract

Tumours of the neuroendocrine system in the head and neck region are mostly paragangliomas of the glomus tympanicum or jugulare, or of the carotid body. The majority of these tumours are benign, and the coexistence of multiple paragangliomas seems to be rare. Pre-operative embolization and surgery are regarded as primary therapy for these tumours. The treatment regimen in any patient depends on age, general health, hearing status and the function of the lower cranial nerves. Several presentations are possible in which paragangliomas occur as systemic disease.

1. Paragangliomas may occur bilaterally, or, in rare cases, in multiple areas. Pre-operative bilateral angiography is of utmost importance. In case of multicentricity, it might be necessary to proceed without, or just with, unilateral surgery for preservation of adjacent structures. In surgery of jugular vein paraganglioma, we usually perform a modified transmastoidal and transcervical approach with preservation of middle-ear structures and the ossicles. As an alternative or supplement to surgery, radiotherapy or definitive embolization may be used in the treatment of paragangliomas.

2. Paragangliomas may occur as multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndrome combined with medullary thyroid gland carcinoma, and, facultatively, pheochromocytoma In these cases, endocrinological examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the adrenal region, the thorax and the neck are required for an adequate therapeutic strategy. As MEN may be inherited, family history should be evaluated.

3. Paragangliomas can became malignant and metastasize. Thus, cervical lymph node metastases or distant metastases may occur. We recommend the removal of all ipsilateral lymph nodes and their histological examination.

Keywords

ParagangliomaThyroid gland neoplasmsEndocrine gland neoplasms
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 113 , Issue 11 , November 1999 , pp. 978 - 982
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1999

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Footnotes

Presented in part on the 4th European Skull Base Society Congress, Nuernberg, Germany, May 19-22, 1999. Dedicated to Prof. C. Beck, former head of the Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, University of Freiburg, and to Prof. E. Lehnhardt, former head of the Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Medical School Hannover.

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