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Curry SD, Kocharyan A, Lekovic GP. Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Skull Base Paragangliomas. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1533. [PMID: 38002493 PMCID: PMC10669609 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13111533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment of skull base paragangliomas has moved towards the use of cranial nerve preservation strategies, using radiation therapy and subtotal resection in instances when aiming for gross total resection would be expected to cause increased morbidity compared to the natural history of the tumor itself. The goal of this study was to analyze the role of surgery in patients with skull base paragangliomas treated with CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for definitive tumor control. A retrospective review identified 22 patients (median age 65.5 years, 50% female) treated with SRS from 2010-2022. Fourteen patients (63.6%) underwent microsurgical resection. Gross total resection was performed in four patients for tympanic paraganglioma (n = 2), contralateral paraganglioma (n = 1), and intracranial tumor with multiple cranial neuropathies (n = 1). Partial/subtotal resection was performed for the treatment of pulsatile tinnitus and conductive hearing loss (n = 6), chronic otitis and otorrhea (n = 2), intracranial extension (n = 1), or episodic vertigo due to perilymphatic fistula (n = 1). Eighteen patients had clinical and imaging follow-up for a mean (SD) of 4.5 (3.4) years after SRS, with all patients having clinical and radiological tumor control and no mortalities. Surgery remains an important component in the multidisciplinary treatment of skull base paraganglioma when considering other outcomes besides local tumor control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven D. Curry
- House Clinic, Los Angeles, CA 90017, USA
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of California Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Armine Kocharyan
- House Clinic, Los Angeles, CA 90017, USA
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of California Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Gregory P. Lekovic
- House Clinic, Los Angeles, CA 90017, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Yun J, Kapustin D, Omorogbe A, Rubin SJ, Nicastri DG, De Leacy RA, Khorsandi A, Urken ML. Report of a vagal paraganglioma at the cervicothoracic junction. Head Neck 2023; 45:E36-E43. [PMID: 37548094 DOI: 10.1002/hed.27481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vagus nerve paragangliomas are rare tumors, comprising 0.03% of head and neck neoplasms. These tumors are usually located cephalad to the hyoid bone, and there is only one previously reported case that arose from the lower third of the neck. METHODS We describe the second reported case of a lower neck vagus nerve paraganglioma that was managed with a limited sternotomy for access and surgical removal. RESULTS A 66-year-old male presented with a long-standing lesion of the cervicothoracic junction. CT, MRI, and Ga-68 DOTATATE PET/CT showed an avidly enhancing 5.2 × 4.2 × 11.5 cm mass extending from C6 to approximately T4 level. FNA confirmed the diagnosis. The patient underwent catheter angiography and embolization via direct puncture technique followed by excision of the mass via a combined transcervical and limited sternotomy approach. CONCLUSION We describe an unusual case of vagal paraganglioma at the cervicothoracic junction with retrosternal extension requiring a sternotomy for surgical excision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yun
- THANC (Thyroid, Head & Neck Cancer) Foundation, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Danielle Kapustin
- THANC (Thyroid, Head & Neck Cancer) Foundation, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Aisosa Omorogbe
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Samuel J Rubin
- THANC (Thyroid, Head & Neck Cancer) Foundation, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Daniel G Nicastri
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Reade A De Leacy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Azita Khorsandi
- Department of Radiology, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mark L Urken
- THANC (Thyroid, Head & Neck Cancer) Foundation, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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How do I do it? Carotid paraganglioma resection. ANGIOLOGIA 2022. [DOI: 10.20960/angiologia.00389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Lozano FS, Muñoz A, de Las Heras JA, González-Porras JR. Simple and complex carotid paragangliomas. Three decades of experience and literature review. Head Neck 2020; 42:3538-3550. [PMID: 32812684 DOI: 10.1002/hed.26421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carotid paragangliomas are rare tumors. They are usually unique, non-secreting, resectable, and benign. However, additional rare cases of complex tumors (bilateral, secretory, nonresectable, or malignant) complicate the management and final outcomes. METHODS Records of paragangliomas from our hospital are reviewed. Criteria defining complex paragangliomas have been previously defined. These are compared with those of the simple group. RESULTS Fifty patients, two groups: simple (n = 39) and complex (n = 11). The patients in the complex group were significantly younger (47.7 vs 63.8 years). Postoperative nerve complications (45.4% vs 6.3%) and mortality during follow-up (27.3% vs 0%) were significantly more common in the complex group. Vascular complications (0% vs 3.1%) and early mortality (0%) were similarly in both groups. CONCLUSIONS Patients with complex carotid paragangliomas are heterogeneous. The former are younger, exhibit a high degree of diagnostic and therapeutic complexity, and have poorer morbidity and mortality. Surgical experience and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco S Lozano
- Department of Angiology and Vascular Surgery, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Angel Muñoz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - José A de Las Heras
- Department of Radiology, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - José R González-Porras
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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Paraganglioma of the carotid body and intrapericardium. J Cardiol Cases 2019; 21:63-66. [PMID: 32042357 DOI: 10.1016/j.jccase.2019.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A 65-year-old Japanese woman with an intrapericardial tumor and neck tumor was admitted to our hospital. Intrapericardial tumor had not been resected because of massive bleeding from the hypervascular tumor and its invasion into the pericardium, ascending aorta, and pulmonary artery. The neck tumor had been successfully resected, and paraganglioma was pathologically diagnosed. Abnormal accumulation in the intrapericardial tumor was seen with 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy. Moreover, gene mutation of succinate dehydrogenase type D was found. Finally, paraganglioma of the carotid body and intrapericardium was diagnosed. <Learning objective: Cardiac paraganglioma (PGL) and simultaneous carotid body and cardiac PGL is exceedingly rare. We experienced a case of intrapericardial tumor and carotid body tumor, evaluated by histological examination of the surgical specimen of the carotid body tumor and multimodal imaging including 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy, and genetic analysis of the succinate dehydrogenase gene. The final diagnosis was type 1 PGLs of both the carotid body and intrapericardium.>.
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Immediate selective laryngeal reinnervation in vagal paraganglioma patients. The Journal of Laryngology & Otology 2018; 132:846-851. [PMID: 30180919 DOI: 10.1017/s0022215118000476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This prospective case series aimed to present the outcomes of immediate selective laryngeal reinnervation. METHODS Two middle-aged women with vagal paraganglioma undergoing an excision operation underwent immediate selective laryngeal reinnervation using the phrenic nerve and ansa cervicalis as the donor nerve. Multidimensional outcome measures were employed pre-operatively, and at 1, 6 and 12 months post-operatively. RESULTS The voice handicap index-10 score improved from 23 (patient 1) and 18 (patient 2) at 1 month post-operation, to 5 (patient 1) and 1 (patient 2) at 12 months. The Eating Assessment Tool 10 score improved from 20 (patient 1) and 24 (patient 2) at 1 month post-operation, to 3 (patient 1) and 1 (patient 2) at 12 months. There was slight vocal fold abduction observed in patient one and no obvious abduction in patient two. CONCLUSION Selective reinnervation is safe to perform following vagal paraganglioma excision conducted on the same side. Voice and swallowing improvements were demonstrated, but no significant vocal fold abduction was achieved.
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Bhatt S, Verma P, Meena N, Tandon A, Tanveer N, Bansal D. Glomus vagale tumour, can it be diagnosed only on sonography? J Ultrasound 2017; 20:73-79. [PMID: 28298947 DOI: 10.1007/s40477-016-0237-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/25/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Vagal paragangliomas are rare benign tumors accounting for only 3% of head and neck paragangliomas and arise from vagal ganglions, predominately the nodose ganglion in the carotid sheath. Imaging plays an important role in their diagnosis, differentiation from more common lesions presenting in the carotid space, and management. MRI is the method of choice for investigation when paragangliomas are clinically suspected. The typical salt-and-pepper appearance in T1-weighted images is well known but not specific to paragangliomas. Demonstration of the continuity of the lesion with the vagus nerve on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) further asserts the diagnosis of glomus vagale. Although this tumor can be diagnosed on a contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) examination, it is limited by the non-demonstration of its neural origin. Sonography is considered only a preliminary investigation in patients, and a CECT and/or MRI study of the neck is conducted before treatment planning. This case is unique as a confident diagnosis of glomus vagale was made on high-resolution sonography of the neck. A middle-aged male patient presenting with a neck swelling was diagnosed with a glomus vagale tumor on USG by the direct demonstration of its continuity with the vagus nerve, and Doppler examination confirmed its vascularity. The diagnosis was confirmed on histopathology after surgical excision. The sonographic appearance, Doppler characteristics, and imaging differential diagnosis of glomus vagale are discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuchi Bhatt
- Department of Radio-diagnosis, University College of Medical sciences (University of Delhi) and GTB Hospital, Dilshad Garden, Delhi, 110095 India
| | - Pooja Verma
- Department of Radio-diagnosis, University College of Medical sciences (University of Delhi) and GTB Hospital, Dilshad Garden, Delhi, 110095 India
| | - Neha Meena
- Department of Radio-diagnosis, University College of Medical sciences (University of Delhi) and GTB Hospital, Dilshad Garden, Delhi, 110095 India
| | - Anupama Tandon
- Department of Radio-diagnosis, University College of Medical sciences (University of Delhi) and GTB Hospital, Dilshad Garden, Delhi, 110095 India
| | - Nadeem Tanveer
- Department of Pathology, University College of Medical Sciences (University of Delhi) and GTB Hospital, Dilshad Garden, Delhi, 110095 India
| | - Divya Bansal
- Department of Pathology, University College of Medical Sciences (University of Delhi) and GTB Hospital, Dilshad Garden, Delhi, 110095 India
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Lozano Sánchez F. Indicaciones quirúrgicas en paragangliomas carotídeos. Cambio del paradigma y propuesta de algoritmos. ANGIOLOGIA 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.angio.2016.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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10
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Abstract
Skull base imaging requires a thorough knowledge of the complex anatomy of this region, including the numerous fissures and foramina and the major neurovascular structures that traverse them. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) play complementary roles in imaging of the skull base. MR is the preferred modality for evaluation of the soft tissues, the cranial nerves, and the medullary spaces of bone, while CT is preferred for demonstrating thin cortical bone structure. The anatomic location and origin of a lesion as well as the specific CT and MR findings can often narrow the differential diagnosis to a short list of possibilities. However, the primary role of the imaging specialist in evaluating the skull base is usually to define the extent of the lesion and determine its relationship to vital neurovascular structures. Technologic advances in imaging and radiation therapy, as well as surgical technique, have allowed for more aggressive approaches and improved outcomes, further emphasizing the importance of precise preoperative mapping of skull base lesions via imaging. Tumors arising from and affecting the cranial nerves at the skull base are considered here.
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Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss a new case of malignant vagal paraganglioma. A 38-year-old woman was referred for the assessment of a bilateral firm cervical mass. CT scans revealed a left cervical ovoid mass; contralaterally, a mass with a similar enhancement could be observed too. The tumor was surgically removed via a transcervical surgical approach, together with levels I to III lymph nodes. Definitive histopathological examination proved the diagnosis of malignant vagal paraganglioma with contralateral cervical lymph node metastasis. One year after surgery, a PET-CT and a scintigraphy revealed the presence of a cervical recurrence and hepatic metastasis. Three months after a second surgical intervention, the patient died. Malignant vagal paraganglioma is a rare and challenging lesion that has to be carefully assessed to plan an appropriate treatment. A strict follow-up is fundamental for an early diagnosis of eventual recurrences.
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Michelozzi C, Januel AC, Cuvinciuc V, Tall P, Bonneville F, Fraysse B, Deguine O, Serrano E, Cognard C. Arterial embolization with Onyx of head and neck paragangliomas. J Neurointerv Surg 2015; 8:626-35. [PMID: 25935924 DOI: 10.1136/neurintsurg-2014-011582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT To report the morbidity and long term results in the treatment of paragangliomas by transarterial embolization with ethylene vinyl alcohol (Onyx), either as preoperative or palliative treatment. METHODS Between September 2005 and 2012, 18 jugulotympanic, 7 vagal, and 4 carotid body paragangliomas (CBPs) underwent Onyx embolization, accordingly to our head and neck multidisciplinary team's decision. CBPs were embolized preoperatively. Jugulotympanic and vagal paragangliomas underwent surgery when feasible, otherwise palliative embolization was carried out alone, or in combination with radiotherapy or tympanic surgery in the case of skull base or tympanic extension. Treatment results, and clinical and MRI follow-up data were recorded. RESULTS In all cases, devascularization of at least 60% of the initial tumor blush was obtained; 6 patients underwent two embolizations. Post-embolization, 8 patients presented with cranial nerve palsy, with partial or complete regression at follow-up (mean 31 months, range 3-86 months), except for 2 vagal and 1 hypoglossal palsy. 10 patients were embolized preoperatively; 70% were cured after surgery and 30% showed residual tumor. 19 patients received palliative embolization, of whom 5 underwent radiotherapy and 3 received tympanic surgery post-embolization. Long term follow-up of palliative embolization resulted in tumor volume stability (75%) or extension in intracranial or tympanic compartments. Onyx embolization of CBPs resulted in more difficult surgical dissection in 2 of 4 cases. CONCLUSIONS Onyx embolization is a valuable alternative to surgery in the treatment of jugulotympanic and vagal paragangliomas; tympanic surgery or radiosurgery of the skull base should be considered in selected cases. Preoperative Onyx embolization of CBPs is not recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Michelozzi
- Dipartimento di Radiologia diagnostica e Interventistica, Scuola di Specialità di Radiodiagnostica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Ospedale Sanpaolo, Milano, Italy Neuroradiology Department, University Hospital of Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Victor Cuvinciuc
- DISIM, Neuroradiology Division, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Tall
- Neuroradiology Department, University Hospital of Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Fabrice Bonneville
- Neuroradiology Department, University Hospital of Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Bernard Fraysse
- Department of Otology-Neuro-otology and Skull Base Surgery, University Hospital of Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Olivier Deguine
- Department of Otology-Neuro-otology and Skull Base Surgery, University Hospital of Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Elie Serrano
- Department of ENT, University Hospital of Rangueil-Larrey, Toulouse, France
| | - Christophe Cognard
- Neuroradiology Department, University Hospital of Purpan, Toulouse, France
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Hamersley ERS, Barrows A, Perez A, Schroeder A, Castle JT. Malignant Vagal Paraganglioma. Head Neck Pathol 2015; 10:201-5. [PMID: 25712400 PMCID: PMC4838970 DOI: 10.1007/s12105-015-0621-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 02/15/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Paragangliomas are rare, typically benign neuroendocrine tumors that represent a small portion of head and neck tumors. A small percentage of these are known to have malignant potential. They arise from the carotid body, jugular bulb or vagus nerves. There is limited literature discussing the management of malignant vagal paragangliomas. We present a case of a 25 year old female with a left malignant vagal paraganglioma. The following case presentation will describe the presentation, classic radiologic findings, and management of a malignant vagal paraganglioma along with a review of the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin R. S. Hamersley
- Department of Otolaryngology, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA 23708 USA ,3204 Joplin Lane, Chesapeake, VA 23323 USA
| | - Amy Barrows
- Department of Otolaryngology, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA 23708 USA
| | - Angel Perez
- Department of Otolaryngology, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA 23708 USA
| | - Ashley Schroeder
- Department of Otolaryngology, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA 23708 USA
| | - James T. Castle
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA 23708 USA
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González-Orús Álvarez-Morujo R, Arístegui Ruiz M, Martin Oviedo C, Álvarez Palacios I, Scola Yurrita B. Management of vagal paragangliomas: review of 17 patients. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2014; 272:2403-14. [PMID: 24973966 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-014-3141-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Vagal paragangliomas are very rare benign vascular tumors of neuroendocrine nature, and are much less frequent than carotid and jugulo-tympanic tumors. The goal of this retrospective study is to review the clinical and genetic findings, surgical treatment, and complications of vagal paragangliomas, as well as to discuss the management options. During the period 1990-2013, 17 patients with vagal paragangliomas were referred to our institution. There were ten patients with isolated tumors, and seven with multicentric paragangliomas. There were nine women and eight men. Mean age of patients was 51.4 years. Five cases had a positive family history of paraganglioma (29.4 %). Germline mutations of SDH genes were found in six of our patients (35.3 %). Many options were considered in the management of vagal paragangliomas. Surgical treatment was performed in 11 young patients (64.7 %) using different approaches: in 4 patients the tumor was resected through a transcervical approach; in 3 through a transcervical-transmandibular approach; in 1 it was resected using a transcervical-transmastoid approach, and in 3 a type A infratemporal fossa approach was performed. In all operated cases, the removal of the tumor led to sacrificing of the vagus nerve. Postoperative hypoglossal nerve deficit was reported in 4 cases (36.3 %). In six elderly patients (35.3 %), we decided to "wait-and-scan" in order to avoid creating greater morbidity than that of the tumor itself. Many factors should be considered in the treatment of vagal paragangliomas: the age and general condition of the patient, the biological behavior of the tumor, tumor size, genetic results, bilaterality, multicentricity, lower cranial nerve function, and of course the potential morbidity of the surgical treatment itself. Rehabilitation and, possibly surgery, are necessary to treat postoperative lower cranial nerve deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo González-Orús Álvarez-Morujo
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Doctor Esquerdo St, 46, 28007, Madrid, Spain,
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Abstract
Paragangliomas (PGLs) are tumours originating from neural crest-derived cells situated in the region of the autonomic nervous system ganglia. Head-and-neck PGLs (HNPGLs) originate from the sympathetic and parasympathetic paraganglia, most frequently from the carotid bodies and jugular, tympanic and vagal paraganglia, and are usually non-catecholamine secreting. Familial PGLs are considered to be rare, but recently genetic syndromes including multiple PGLs and/or phaeochromocytomas have been more thoroughly characterised. Nowadays, genetic screening for the genes frequently implicated in both familial and sporadic cases is routinely being recommended. HNPGLs are mostly benign, generally slow-growing tumours. Continuous growth leads to the involvement of adjacent neurovascular structures with increased morbidity rates and treatment-related complications. Optimal management mostly depends on tumour location, local involvement of neurovascular structures, estimated malignancy risk, patient age and general health. Surgery is the only treatment option offering the chance of cure but with significant morbidity rates, so a more conservative approach is usually considered, especially in the more difficult cases. Radiotherapy (fractionated or stereotactic radiosurgery) leads to tumour growth arrest and symptomatic improvement in the short term in many cases, but the long-term consequences are unclear. Early detection is essential in order to increase the chance of cure with a lower morbidity rate. The constant improvement in diagnostic imaging, surgical and radiation techniques has led to a safer management of these tumours, but there are still many therapeutic challenges, and no treatment algorithm has been agreed upon until now. The management of HNPGLs requires a multidisciplinary effort addressing the genetic, surgical, radiotherapeutic, oncological, neurological and endocrinological implications. Further progress in the understanding of their pathogenesis will lead to more effective screening and earlier diagnosis, both critical to successful treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Capatina
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, UK
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Suárez C, Rodrigo JP, Bödeker CC, Llorente JL, Silver CE, Jansen JC, Takes RP, Strojan P, Pellitteri PK, Rinaldo A, Mendenhall WM, Ferlito A. Jugular and vagal paragangliomas: Systematic study of management with surgery and radiotherapy. Head Neck 2012; 35:1195-204. [PMID: 22422597 DOI: 10.1002/hed.22976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The definitive treatment for head and neck paraganglioma (PG) is surgical excision. Unfortunately, surgery, particularly of vagal paraganglioma (VPG; "glomus vagale") and foramen jugulare ("glomus jugulare") tumors, may be complicated by injuries to the lower cranial nerves, a high price to pay for treatment for a benign tumor. Alternatively these tumors may be followed without treatment, or irradiated. The purpose of this review was to compare the existing evidence concerning the efficacy and safety of surgery, external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), for jugular paragangliomas (JPGs) and VPGs. METHODS Relevant articles were reviewed using strict criteria for systematic searches. Forty-one surgical studies met the criteria which included 1310 patients. Twenty articles including 461 patients treated with EBRT, and 14 radiosurgery studies comprising 261 patients were also evaluated. Results were compared between treatment modalities using analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests. RESULTS A total of 1084 patients with JPGs and 226 VPGs were treated with different surgical procedures. Long-term control of the disease was achieved in 78.2% and 93.3% of patients, respectively. A total of 715 patients with JPG were treated with radiotherapy: 461 with EBRT and 254 with SRS. Control of the disease with both methods was obtained in 89.1% and 93.7% of the patients, respectively. The treatment outcomes of a JPG treated with surgery or radiotherapy were compared. Tumor control failure, major complication rates, and the number of cranial nerve palsies after treatment were significantly higher in surgical than in radiotherapy series. The results of SRS and EBRT in JPGs were compared and no significant differences were observed in tumor control. Because only 1 article reported on the treatment of 10 VPGs with radiotherapy, no comparisons with surgery could be made. Nevertheless, the vagus nerve was functionally preserved in only 11 of 254 surgically treated patients (4.3%). CONCLUSION There is evidence that EBRT and SRS offer a similar chance of tumor control with lower risks of morbidity compared with surgery in patients with JPGs. Although the evidence is based on retrospective studies, these results suggest that surgery should be considered only for selected cases, but the decision should be individual for every patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Suárez
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain.
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