BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to describe the natural history and optimal treatment for head and neck paragangliomas (PGs). METHODS: Our methods were the review of the pertinent literature. RESULTS: PGs are rare tumors seen most commonly in the head and neck. Approximately 90% are sporadic; the remainder are familial and related to mutations of the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) gene complex. Most PGs are benign and slow growing; 6% to 19% are malignant, as evidenced by the development of metastases. PGs may be treated by complete resection or moderate-dose radiotherapy with a ≥90% likelihood of cure. The optimal radiotherapy dose is approximately 45 Gy/25 fractions/5 weeks. The treatment modality selected depends on the risk of complications. Due to their rarity, the optimal treatment for malignant PGs is unclear. CONCLUSION: PGs may be treated by either complete resection or radiotherapy with a high likelihood of success. Treatment depends on the location and extent of the PG and the morbidity associated with treatment.
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to describe the natural history and optimal treatment for head and neck paragangliomas (PGs). METHODS: Our methods were the review of the pertinent literature. RESULTS: PGs are rare tumors seen most commonly in the head and neck. Approximately 90% are sporadic; the remainder are familial and related to mutations of the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) gene complex. Most PGs are benign and slow growing; 6% to 19% are malignant, as evidenced by the development of metastases. PGs may be treated by complete resection or moderate-dose radiotherapy with a ≥90% likelihood of cure. The optimal radiotherapy dose is approximately 45 Gy/25 fractions/5 weeks. The treatment modality selected depends on the risk of complications. Due to their rarity, the optimal treatment for malignant PGs is unclear. CONCLUSION: PGs may be treated by either complete resection or radiotherapy with a high likelihood of success. Treatment depends on the location and extent of the PG and the morbidity associated with treatment.
Authors: R Schneider; J Ukkat; P Nguyen-Thanh; K Lorenz; S Plontke; C Behrmann; C Sekulla; H Dralle Journal: Chirurg Date: 2012-12 Impact factor: 0.955
Authors: Stephanie R McKeown; Paul Hatfield; Robin J D Prestwich; Richard E Shaffer; Roger E Taylor Journal: Br J Radiol Date: 2015-10-14 Impact factor: 3.039
Authors: T Anttila; V Häyry; T Nicoli; J Hagström; K Aittomäki; P Vikatmaa; M Niemelä; K Saarilahti; A Mäkitie; L J Bäck Journal: Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol Date: 2014-06-29 Impact factor: 2.503
Authors: Sebastiaan Hammer; Jeroen C Jansen; Eleonora P M van der Kleij-Corssmit; Frederik J Hes; Mark C Kruit Journal: World J Surg Oncol Date: 2012-10-19 Impact factor: 2.754