Treatment of Head and Neck Paragangliomas

BackgroundCommonly occurring in the head and neck, paragangliomas are typically benign, highly vascular neoplasms embryologically originating from the extra-adrenal paraganglia of the neural crest. Frequently, these tumors are associated with the vagus, tympanic plexus nerve, the carotid artery, or jugular bulb. Their clinical presentation can vary across a wide spectrum of signs and symptoms.MethodsWe reviewed and compared standard treatment approaches for paragangliomas of the head and neck.ResultsIn general, surgery is the first-line choice of therapy for carotid body tumors, whereas radiotherapy is the first-line option for jugular and vagal paragangliomas.ConclusionsBecause of the complexity of clinical scenarios and treatment options for paragangliomas, a multidisciplinary algorithmic approach should be used for treating paragangliomas. The approach should emphasize single-modality treatment that yields excellent rates of tumor control, low rates of severe, iatrogenic morbidity, and the preservation...