Paragangliomas of the Head and Neck

Head and Neck Malignant Paragangliomas: Experience from a Single Institution

Objectives: To summarize the clinicopathological and genetic features of malignant paragangliomas in head and neck cancer and to explore the appropriate treatment options for this rare lesion. Methods: Six patients harboring head and neck malignant paraganglioma from Beijing Tongren Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The clinicopathological characteristics, gene mutations, and prognosis of these patients were analyzed. Results: Of these 6 patients, 3 were male and 3 were female; 4 patients harbored malignant carotid body tumors, and two had malignant vagal paragangliomas. Three patients had cervical lymph node metastasis, two presented with lung and bone metastasis, and 1 had lung and liver metastasis. Of the 6 patients, four underwent surgical resection, and the other two patients denied surgery and instead received chemotherapy with paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and dacarbazine. These 2 patients with vagal paraganglioma received postoperative radiotherapy. All 6 patients are still alive at the present time, with a median follow-up time of 66 months. Positive Ki-67 expression in tumor tissue ranged from 1% to 40%. Genetic mutations in SDHD, SDHB, ATR, and MAP3K13 were identified in 4 patients. Conclusions: After comprehensive treatment, head and neck malignant paraganglioma can attain a favorable prognosis. Genetic mutations are commonly detected in patients with malignant paragangliomas. This study also identified mutations in ATR and MAP3K13 in these patients.

Paragangliomas and Anemia: Literature Review and Case Report

Paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors that arise from the extra-adrenal autonomic paraganglia, i.e., small organs consisting mainly of neuroendocrine cells that are derived from the embryonic neural crest and have the ability to secrete catecholamines. Paragangliomas can derive from either parasympathetic or sympathetic paraganglia. Most of the parasympathetic ganglia-derived paragangliomas are nonfunctional, and symptoms result from mass effect. Conversely, the sympathetic paragangliomas are functional and produce catecholamine. Although such patients could have symptoms similar to pheochromocytoma, mass effect symptoms, or non-specific symptoms, being benign tumors, they can also present with anemia, specifically iron-deficiency anemia. Considering that neoplastic pathology is chronically accompanied by moderate, normochromic, normocytic anemia, association between paragangliomas that are mostly benign but with a potential degree of malignancy and anemia is not as frequent as expected, with only 12 cases reported in the literature. We report a case of a 54-year-old female patient diagnosed with a paraganglioma of the carotid glomus accompanied by severe normochromic, normocytic anemia, which reached normal limits after excision of the paraganglioma.

Rare presentation of vagal paraganglioma in an early age: A case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Vagal paragangliomas of neck are rare tumours of neural crest origin usually arising in elderly age with female predominance. They have a vague clinical presentation therefore difficult to diagnose preoperatively. We hope that this case report and literature review would add to the existing literature and help devise a comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic plan for vagal paragangliomas.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of vagal paraganglioma occurring in a 13-year-old male which is an extremely rare presentation in this age group. The patient presented with a large solitary painless progressively growing mass in posterior triangle of neck. External jugular vein was stretched and trachea was deviated medially. The mass was arising via a twig from vagus nerve and was surgically excised. Diagnosis was established post-operatively through histopathological analysis.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Vagal paraganglioma is a rare occurrence in male teenagers and may mimic schwannoma, neuroma, jugular meningioma, or other gangliomas. Surgical excision is mainstay of treatment but resultant vagal complications and neurological consequences are usually unavoidable. Nonetheless, the prognosis may be easily improved with sound surgical judgement, skill, and routine follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Vagal paraganglioma usually presents as a swelling in neck and cannot be diagnosed on simple clinical examination. CT scan and MRI are imaging modalities of choice and can be coupled with angiography to increase diagnostic accuracy. Although both radiation therapy and surgical excision have both been found to be successful treatment options, it is still unclear which is more beneficial.

Vagal paragangliomas

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

A vagal paraganglioma is a rare head and neck tumor arising from the paraganglionic tissue within the perineurium of the vagus nerve, anywhere along the course of the nerve. Due to its proximity to the internal carotid artery, the internal jugular vein and the lower cranial nerves, this disorder poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The diagnostic workup and management keep on evolving.

RECENT FINDINGS

This article gives a concise update of the clinical spectrum and the current state-of-the-art diagnostic workup and management of vagal paraganglioma.

SUMMARY

Every patient with suspected vagal paraganglioma needs to be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team. The management strategy is selected depending on the growth rate of the tumor, the age and fitness of the patient, the number of affected cranial nerves, the metabolic activity of the paraganglioma, and the eventual multicentricity. An algorithm guiding the clinician through the different treatment options is presented.

Ga-68 DOTATATE PET/CT in the Evaluation of Paragangliomas and Other Indeterminate Lesions in the Head and Neck

Background and Purpose

Paragangliomas (PGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors with imaging features that can overlap with other entities. This study hypothesizes that given overexpression of somatostatin receptor (SSTR) 2, PGLs can be differentiated on Ga-68 DOTATATE positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) from other benign or malignant lesions.

Materials and Methods

Ninety-six patients with known tumors of the head and neck who underwent Ga-68 DOTATATE PET/CT from May 2017 to December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed from a single institution. Of these, 43 patients had histopathological confirmation and 66 positive lesions were discovered on PET/CT. For each lesion, the SUV max, the SUV lesion to liver ratio, and the SUV lesion to spleen ratio were analyzed.

Results

PGLs (n = 37) showed the most intense uptake, and the mean of SUVmax was 69.3 (range 3.7-225.9). Metastatic PGL and metastasis from other neuroendocrine tumors (n = 13) demonstrated intermediate uptake, the mean of SUVmax was 15.16 (range 2.3-40.3). Meningiomas (n = 3) had intermediate uptake, and the mean of SUVmax was 12.37 (range 2.5-19.4). One patient with esthesioneuroblastoma had 5 lesions in the head and neck, and the mean of SUVmax was 18.9 (range 6.9-49.4). Schwannomas (n = 4) had very low uptake, and the mean of SUVmax was 1.75 (range 1.1-2.2). Other rare cases with low uptake included 1 each of osteosarcoma, acinic cell carcinoma, ectopic thyroid tissue, and plasmacytoma, and the mean of SUVmax was 4.75 (range 2.3-6.1).

Conclusions

Ga-68 DOTATATE PET/CT can be a useful adjunct in differentiating tumors in the head and neck. PGLs demonstrate the highest uptake. Meningioma, esthesioneuroblastoma, and neuroendocrine tumor metastasis have intermediate uptake. Schwannomas and other rare tumors exhibit low uptake.

Treatment decision and estimation of growth of head and neck paragangliomas

PURPOSE

Head and neck paragangliomas are slow growing tumors where observation has become more widely accepted. Tumor growth rate as well as predictors of increased tumor growth were analyzed with the goal to identify factors to better predict disease progression and counsel patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Multi-institutional retrospective cohort study from 2011 to 2020.

RESULTS

130 head and neck paragangliomas in 125 patients were analyzed. 38 were observed (30.4%), 16 radiated (12.8%), and 71 underwent surgery (56.8%). Surgical patients were significantly younger (p = 0.038) and with more genetically mediated paragangliomas (p = 0.026). Significantly more patients were asymptomatic in the observation group (p = 0.005). Of the 39 observed tumors, 43.6% (n = 17) grew with a tumor doubling time of 5.67 years. More than half of the observed paragangliomas had no growth. When examining symptoms postoperatively and at follow-up, the surgical cohort had significantly more worsening symptoms (p = 0.007) and new cranial neuropathies (p = 0.031).

CONCLUSIONS

Head and neck paragangliomas have slow growth rates if they grow at all. Patients in the surgical cohort had more clinical symptoms at presentation and worsening postoperative symptoms.

Big Carotid Body Paraganglioma: A Case Report With Successful Surgical Excision and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Carotid body paragangliomas are rare and therapeutically challenging. Shamblin I or II carotid body paraganglioma can be removed en bloc. This operation is sometimes combined with preoperative transarterial embolization to control bleeding. However, Shamblin III carotid body paraganglioma, which is encased with carotid vessels, is difficult to remove without carotid artery ligation for excision. Sometimes, not all tumor tissues are removed during operation and residual tumor tissues remain. Here, we review a case of Shamblin III carotid body paraganglioma removal without preoperative transarterial embolization or ligation of the carotid artery. We present a successful technique for Shamblin III carotid body paraganglioma resection that reduces bleeding during the operation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A 74-year-old male patient who had an enlarged left neck mass for more than 20 years underwent tumor excision. The final pathology was carotid body paraganglioma. During the operation, the tumor was discovered to be encased in the bifurcation of the common carotid artery. We carefully isolated and temporarily clamped the common carotid artery to enable application of the finger dissection method to completely free the tumor from the carotid artery in a safe and bloodless plane.

RESULTS

Neither intraoperative massive bleeding nor postoperative cranial nerve deficit occurred. Favorable wound status was noted during outpatient department follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe a successful case of Shamblin III carotid body paraganglioma removal using temporary clamping of the common carotid artery and the finger dissection method.

Imaging Features of Succinate Dehydrogenase-deficient Pheochromocytoma-Paraganglioma Syndromes

Pheochromocytoma (PC) and paraganglioma (PGL) are rare neuroendocrine tumors that occur throughout the body from the base of the skull to the pelvis. Sympathetic catecholamine-secreting tumors may be associated with hyperadrenergic symptoms and long-term morbidity if they are untreated. Typically biochemically silent, head and neck PGLs may result in cranial nerve palsies and symptoms due to localized mass effect. Tumors can arise sporadically or as part of an inheritable PC-PGL syndrome. Up to 40% of tumors are recognized to be associated with germline mutations in an increasing array of susceptibility genes, including those that appear to arise sporadically. Most commonly, up to 25% of all PC-PGLs are associated with mutations in one of the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) enzyme subunit genes. The resulting familial PC-PGL syndrome varies according to the affected enzyme subunit (most commonly SDHB and SDHD mutations) with respect to tumor prevalence, location, age of onset, and risk of malignancy. Patients with SDH enzyme mutations have increased lifetime risk of developing multifocal tumors and malignancy. Early recognition of individuals at high risk, genetic testing, screening of family members, and lifelong surveillance programs are recommended, but not without health, economic, and psychologic implications. Anatomic and functional imaging is key to diagnosis, staging, treatment planning, and lifelong surveillance of these individuals. Radiologists must be aware of the imaging appearance of these varied tumors.^©RSNA, 2019.

Role of 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT in a Case of SDHB-Related Pterygopalatine Fossa Paraganglioma Successfully Controlled with Octreotide

We describe an unusual case of a 42-year-old female with an unresectable succinate dehydrogenase subunit B (SDHB)-related pterygopalatine fossa paraganglioma. She underwent somatostatin receptor imaging with ⁶⁸Ga-DOTA(0)-Tyr(3)-octreotate (⁶⁸Ga-DOTATATE) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), which showed uptake in the above mentioned tumor. Hence, the patient was started on octreotide, a cold somatostatin analog, and responded with tumor stabilization and improvement of clinical symptoms for 36 months since initiation of octreotide therapy. This case demonstrates the role of ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT in diagnostic localization and its subsequent role in treatment using cold somatostatin analog as a potential choice of therapy in the management of paraganglioma in an unusual location with limited therapeutic options.

Paraganglioma Presenting as a Nasal Septal Mass: Case Report and Literature Review

Objectives

To describe a rare case of a paraganglioma arising from the nasal septum and review the diagnosis and management of paragangliomas in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.

Methods

We present a case of a 70-year-old female presenting with persistent nasal congestion and obstruction. Nasal endoscopy revealed a posterior septal mass approaching the sphenoid sinuses and partially obstructing the nasopharynx. A biopsy of the mass was taken, and histologic analysis confirmed a diagnosis of paraganglioma.

Results

The patient underwent an endoscopic resection of the tumor. There has been no evidence of disease recurrence after 3 months of follow‐up.

Conclusions

Paragangliomas arising from the nasal septum are exceedingly rare, but should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with nasal septal masses. These tumors are typically benign, although few cases of malignant sinonasal paragangliomas have been reported. Treatment requires surgical excision with close follow-up as several cases of tumor recurrence have been reported.

Pathophysiology of sensorineural hearing loss in jugular foramen paraganglioma

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Pathologic involvement of the inferior cochlear vein is a mechanism of sensorineural hearing loss in patients with jugular foramen paraganglioma.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case-control study.

METHODS

The presenting audiograms, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography were reviewed in 46 subjects with jugular foramen paragangliomas. Four-frequency bone conduction average was compared between the tumor and nontumor ears in each subject to establish the presence of sensorineural hearing loss. Imaging findings for each subject were recorded. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to determine which radiographic features were associated with sensorineural hearing loss. Hearing data were analyzed as a continuous variable and as a categorical variable.

RESULTS

Twenty subjects (43.4%) had a bone-conduction pure-tone asymmetry of greater than 15 dB. Inferior cochlear vein involvement was identified in 19 of the 20 (95%) subjects with sensorineural hearing loss. Inferior cochlear vein involvement was found to be a statistically significant predictor of sensorineural hearing loss using univariate and multivariate analyses. Other imaging findings that were statistically significant predictors of sensorineural hearing loss include Glasscock-Jackson stage, Fisch-Mattox stage, hypoglossal canal involvement, jugulo-carotid spin erosion, and petrous carotid canal erosion.

CONCLUSIONS

Involvement of the inferior cochlear vein appears to be a plausible mechanism for sensorineural hearing loss in patients with jugular foramen paraganglioma.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 129:67-75, 2019.

Pathology and genetics of phaeochromocytoma and paraganglioma

Phaeochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PHEO/PGL) are rare tumours with an estimated annual incidence of 3 per million. Advances in molecular understanding have led to the recognition that at least 30-40% arise in the setting of hereditary disease. Germline mutations in the succinate dehydrogenase genes SDHA, SDHB, SDHC, SDHD and SDHAF2 are the most prevalent of the more than 19 hereditary genetic abnormalities which have been reported. It is therefore recommended that, depending on local resources and availability, at least some degree of genetic testing should be offered to all PHEO/PGL patients, including those with clinically sporadic disease. It is now accepted that that all PHEO/PGL have some metastatic potential; therefore, concepts of benign and malignant PHEO/PGL have no meaning and have been replaced by a risk stratification approach. Although there is broad acceptance that certain features, including high proliferative activity, invasive growth, increased cellularity, large tumour nests and comedonecrosis, are associated with an increased risk of metastasis, it remains difficult to predict the clinical behaviour of individual tumours and no single risk stratification scheme is endorsed or in widespread use. In this review, we provide an update on advances in the pathology and genetics of PHEO/PGL with an emphasis on the changes introduced in the WHO 2017 classification of endocrine neoplasia relevant to practising surgical pathologists.

Active surveillance management of head and neck paragangliomas: case series and review of the literature

Background:

Head and neck paragangliomas are rare. They are usually slow-growing, benign, non-catecholamine secreting tumours, traditionally treated with surgical excision. Complications of surgical excision include lower cranial nerve palsies, stroke and death.

Method:

A retrospective case note analysis was conducted of patients with head and neck paragangliomas treated with a watch-and-scan policy from March 2003 to September 2015, and the relevant literature was reviewed.

Results:

Fifteen head and neck paragangliomas were identified. None of the patients developed a new lower cranial nerve palsy or progression of their presenting hearing loss during the follow-up period. Five patients displayed an increase in maximum linear dimension of 4 mm over an average of 57.4 months. A review of the literature showed that a watch-and-surveillance scan policy is evolving as a treatment option for head and neck paragangliomas without malignant risk factors.

Conclusion:

Readily available surveillance scanning in head and neck paragangliomas enables the monitoring of head and neck paragangliomas, which may allow for avoidance of major surgery.

Treatment of glomus tympanicum tumors by preoperative embolization and total surgical resection

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness on function preservation and tumor control of the treatment of glomus tympanicum tumors with pre-operative embolization followed by total surgical resection.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We describe a series of 6 patients with a glomus tympanicum tumor who were treated in our hospital using the same technique: the day before surgery selective tumor embolization due to denaturation with 96% ethanol. Following parameters were considered: tumor classification, tumor control, clinical and audiological outcome, effectiveness of embolization, percentage of tumor necrosis and treatment complications.

RESULTS

There were no severe complications due to embolization or surgery. Tumor blush disappeared completely in 5 patients on DSA post embolization and histologic evaluation of the resected tissue showed a median of 69.2% of tumor necrosis. Pulsatile tinnitus disappeared in all patients and 3 patients had no symptoms at all. Hearing ameliorated in 4 patients, 1 patient without hearing loss pre- treatment still had normal hearing after treatment and 1 patient's hearing was worse after treatment. Average follow-up was 21.3months.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of glomus tympanicum tumors by pre-operative embolization with ethanol and surgical resection has not been described before. Our results show that it is a safe procedure with a good long term tumor control, good clinical and audiological outcome.

Paragangliomas

Eleven Chinese patients with paragangliomas were studied to evaluate the clinicopath ological features in detail. Their age ranged from 19 to 68 years with a mean of 41.7 years. Carotid body paragangliomas were the most common, followed by jugulotym panic paragangliomas. The patients with carotid body tumors were younger than the other patients in the group (eg, those with retroperitoneal paragangliomas). Retroperi toneum tumors were typically larger (the largest one was 8 cm in diameter), while tumors in the middle ears were smaller (0.5 to 1 cm in diameter). All the paraganglio mas were tested by a panel of panneuroendocrine markers (neuron-specific enolase, synaptophysin, and chromogranin), and they all stained strongly with synaptophysin. Thus, synaptophysin was shown to be a useful neuroendocrine marker for paraganglio mas. Int J Surg Pathol 1 (1):111-116, 1993

Cervical Paraganglioma Mimicking Thyroid Nodule: A Rare Clinical Case

Objective. Paraganglioma is a rare neuroendocrine tumor. When it is located in the neck, it is commonly misdiagnosed as other thyroid neoplasms. Case Report. We report a case of cervical paraganglioma in a 55-year-old female. Patient was admitted to our clinic with goiter and neck pain. Thyroid ultrasonography revealed a 20 mm solitary, heterogeneous nodule located in the upper pole of left thyroid lobe. Fine needle aspiration cytology was nondiagnostic. She underwent left lobectomy and histopathology showed paraganglioma. Discussion. Cervical paragangliomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules.

68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT in the Localization of Head and Neck Paragangliomas Compared with Other Functional Imaging Modalities and CT/MRI

Pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas overexpress somatostatin receptors, and recent studies have already shown excellent results in the localization of sympathetic succinate dehydrogenase complex, subunit B, mutation-related metastatic pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas using (68)Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT. Therefore, the goal of our study was to assess the clinical utility of this functional imaging modality in parasympathetic head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs) compared with anatomic imaging with CT/MRI and other functional imaging modalities, including (18)F-fluorohydroyphenylalanine ((18)F-FDOPA) PET/CT, currently the gold standard in the functional imaging of HNPGLs.

METHODS

(68)Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT was prospectively performed in 20 patients with HNPGLs. All patients also underwent (18)F-FDOPA PET/CT, (18)F-FDG PET/CT, and CT/MRI, with 18 patients also undergoing (18)F-fluorodopamine ((18)F-FDA) PET/CT. (18)F-FDOPA PET/CT and CT/MRI served as the imaging comparators.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight lesions in 20 patients were detected, with (18)F-FDOPA PET/CT identifying 37 of 38 and CT/MRI identifying 23 of 38 lesions (P < 0.01). All 38 and an additional 7 lesions (P = 0.016) were detected on (68)Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT. Significantly fewer lesions were identified by (18)F-FDG PET/CT (24/38, P < 0.01) and (18)F-FDA PET/CT (10/34, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

(68)Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT identified more lesions than other imaging modalities. With the results of the present study, and the increasing availability and use of DOTA analogs in the therapy of neuroendocrine tumors, we expect that (68)Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT will become the preferred functional imaging modality for HNPGLs in the near future.

Management of multicentric paragangliomas: Review of 24 patients with 60 tumors

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to reflect our experience in the management of multicentric head and neck paragangliomas, including genetic study and counseling, diagnostic tools, types of treatment, and the need for monitoring.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 24 patients with multicentric paraganglioma, including a total of 60 paragangliomas: 37 carotid body tumors, 13 jugulotympanic paragangliomas, and 10 vagal paragangliomas.

RESULTS

A total of 26 surgical procedures were performed, including the resection of 36 paragangliomas. Four tumors were pending surgery at the time of this review. Radiotherapy was administered in 7 patients with 9 tumors. A "wait-and-scan" policy with periodic MRI imaging tests was instituted for 9 patients with 12 paragangliomas.

CONCLUSION

The knowledge of the different modalities of management is especially relevant in patients with multicentric paragangliomas. In every case, benefits and potential risks of all treatment options may be taken into consideration for every individual patient.

Current approaches and recent developments in the management of head and neck paragangliomas

Head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors belonging to the family of pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma neoplasms. Despite advances in understanding the pathogenesis of these tumors, the growth potential and clinical outcome of individual cases remains largely unpredictable. Over several decades, surgical resection has long been the treatment of choice for HNPGLs. However, increasing experience in various forms of radiosurgery has been reported to result in curative-like outcomes, even for tumors localized in the most inaccessible anatomical areas. The emergence of such new therapies challenges the traditional paradigm for the management of HNPGLs. This review will assist and guide physicians who encounter patients with such tumors, either from a diagnostic or therapeutic standpoint. This review will also particularly emphasize current and emerging knowledge in genetics, imaging, and therapeutic options as well as the health-related quality of life for patients with HNPGLs.

Management of vagal paragangliomas: review of 17 patients

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.

Experiences in the treatment of patients with multiple head and neck paragangliomas

PURPOSE

To analyze treatment results in the multidisciplinary management of patients with multiple head and neck paragangliomas (HNPs).

METHODS

Retrospective analysis including all patients with multiple HNPs (VP, vagal paraganglioma; JTP, jugulotympanic paraganglioma; CBT, carotid body tumor) treated between 2000 and 2013 at a tertiary referral center.

RESULTS

Ten patients (three men, seven women) had 25 HNPs (two VPs, eight JTPs, and 15 CBTs). The age range at diagnosis was 31-71 years (mean 40.9 years, median 37 years). Nine tumors (four CBTs, three JTPs, two VPs) were treated only with stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT; 50.4-56Gy, mean 55.3Gy) or in one case intensity-modulated radiotherapy (60 Gy). Nine tumors were treated with surgery alone (eight CBTs, one JTP) and three JTPs with subtotal surgery combined with adjuvant SRT. A "wait and scan" strategy was used in three cases (two CBTs, one JTP). The mean follow-up period was 4.3 years (range 0.1-13 years, median 4 years). The rate of tumor control with surgery and/or SRT was 100% (21/21). One patient with a wait-and-scan strategy for CBT had slow asymptomatic progression during a 13-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment results in this series of patients with multiple HNPs show that a very high rate of long-term tumor control with low morbidity can be achieved using tailored and individualized approaches. All of the different treatment strategies available should be discussed with the patient. In particular, the treatment should involve a multidisciplinary team of experts in the fields of nuclear medicine, genetics, pathology, radiology, radio-oncology, and surgery.

Treatment of cervical paragangliomas: is surgery the only way?

PURPOSE

To analyze the results after surgery or stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) in the treatment of cervical paragangliomas. Against this background, the decision-making algorithm used in the treatment of carotid body tumors (CBTs) and vagal paragangliomas (VPs) was reevaluated relative to the existing literature on the topic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective study between 2000 and 2012. A total of 27 CBTs and nine VPs in 32 patients were treated. Shamblin class I: 59.3% (n=16); class II: 29.6% (n=8); class III: 11.1% (n=3). Treatment modalities were surgery, radiotherapy, or observation. The end points for analysis were long-term tumor control and integrity of the cranial nerves.

RESULTS

21 CBTs and seven VPs underwent surgery; SRT was performed in three CBTs and two VPs. Three CBTs were clinically observed. Permanent nerve paresis followed after surgery for CBTs in five patients (20%) and in all patients with VPs. No impaired cranial nerve function resulted after SRT. The median follow-up period was 4.7 years. The tumor control rate after therapy for CBTs and VPs was 100%. One CBT that received clinical observation showed slow tumor progression.

CONCLUSIONS

A surgical procedure should be regarded as the treatment of choice in patients with small CBTs. In larger CBTs, particularly in elderly patients with unimpaired cranial nerves, radical surgery should be regarded critically. As surgery for VPs caused regularly impairment of cranial nerves with functional disturbances of various degrees a comprehensive consultation with the patient is mandatory and nonsurgical strategies should be discussed.

Current and future trends in the anatomical and functional imaging of head and neck paragangliomas

Head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs) account for approximately 3% of all paragangliomas (PGLs). Most often, HNPGLs are benign, nonsecreting, and slowly progressing. The initial physical examination and biochemical diagnosis usually adds very little to the proper diagnosis of these tumors, and, therefore, radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians play a pivotal role in providing the initial diagnosis, the locoregional staging, and the plan for detecting potential multicentric or metastatic lesions. Based on several current studies, the most accurate use of HNPGL-specific initial and subsequent imaging modalities must be guided by the knowledge of genetics and the specifically measured biochemical profile of these tumors for the proper management of these patients. Thus, this short review article presents the application of the most up-to-date anatomical and functional imaging approaches to HNPGLs tightly linked to the clinical management of these patients. Based on the most recent studies, 18F-FDOPA PET/CT has been shown to be a useful addition to anatomical imaging in the preoperative localization and molecular assessment of HNPGLs. It is estimated that the frequency of metabolically active PGLs on 18F-FDOPA PET/CT in this region is higher than 90%. For patients with hereditary PGL syndromes, (18)F-FDG-PET/CT should be reserved. Imaging of somatostatin receptors using Octreoscan or 68Ga-labeled somatostatin analogues plays an important role for selecting patients for targeted radiation therapy. This review also concludes that it is expected that in the near future, these patients will indeed benefit from new diagnostic approaches based on the identification of new targets by molecular profiling studies that will result in the development of novel PGL-specific radiopharmaceuticals.

Paragangliomas of the carotid body: current management protocols and review of literature

Paraganglioma is a rare neoplasm arising from carotid body usually benign and constitute 0.5 % of all total body tumors. They constitute 60-70 % of head and neck paraganglioma and resemble other paragangliomas of the body like glomus jugulare, glomus tympanicum, and pheochromocytoma. This is a retrospective analysis of the medical records of carotid body paraganglioma cases. Nine patients operated during the study period and the follow up traced were included in the study. Seven females and 2 males were analysed. Six had tumor on the left side and 3 had on the right side. All the cases surgical excision was done by a tranverse incision as 2 patients had Shamblin I, 5 patients had Shamblin II, and 1 patients Shamblin IIIa. All the Shamblin I had tumor away from the carotids and were easily dissected without vessel damage, a sub adventitial tumor excision was performed in all the 5 cases of Shamblin II, 1 case of Shamblin IIIa was dissected with difficulty without sacrificing or vessel reconstruction. Paraganglioma of the carotid body should be considered as a differential diagnosis for painless lateral neck masses. Larger tumors need a multidisciplinary team of head and neck with vascular surgeons for better results.

68Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT for baseline evaluation of patients with head and neck paraganglioma

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of (68)Ga-labeled DOTANOC PET/CT for baseline evaluation of patients with head and neck paragangliomas (HNPs).

METHODS

The data for 26 patients (mean age ± SD, 34.3 ± 10.4 y; 50% men) with known or suspected HNPs who underwent (68)Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT for staging were retrospectively analyzed. PET/CT was performed after intravenous injection of 132-222 MBq of (68)Ga-DOTANOC. The images were evaluated by 2 experienced nuclear medicine physicians in consensus, both qualitatively and quantitatively. The PET/CT findings were grouped as HNPs, paraganglioma at other sites (non-HNPs), and metastatic disease. The size and maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) were measured for all lesions. All of the patients also underwent whole-body (131)I-metaiodobenzylgunanidine ((131)I-MIBG) scintigraphy and conventional imaging (CT/MR imaging) of the head and neck region. Their results were compared with those of (68)Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT.

RESULTS

(68)Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT findings were positive in all 26 patients, and 78 lesions were detected. PET/CT imaging demonstrated 45 HNPS, 10 non-HNPs, and 23 metastatic sites. Fifteen patients (57.6%) had more than one site of disease on PET/CT. Among 45 HNPs, 26 were carotid body tumors (CBTs), 15 glomus jugulare, 3 glomus tympanicum, and 1 laryngeal paraganglioma. A positive correlation was seen between size and SUVmax of HNPs (ρ = 0.323; P = 0.030). The SUVmax of the CBTs was higher than that of jugulotympanic paragangliomas (P = 0.026). No correlation was seen between size and SUVmax (ρ = 0.069; P = 0.854) of non-HNPs. The size and SUVmax of non-HNPs were significantly less than those of HNPs (P = 0.029 and 0.047, respectively). (131)I-MIBG scintigraphy showed only 30 of the 78 lesions and was inferior to PET/CT (P < 0.0001). Conventional imaging (CT/MR imaging) was positive for 42 of 49 head and neck lesions and was inferior to PET/CT on direct comparison (P = 0.015). A combination of CT/MR imaging and (131)I-MIBG scintigraphy detected only 53 of 78 (67.9%) lesions and was also inferior to PET/CT (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

(68)Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT is useful for the baseline evaluation of patients with HNPs and can demonstrate synchronous paragangliomas at other sites and distant metastases. It is superior to (131)I-MIBG scintigraphy and conventional imaging (CT/MR imaging) for this purpose.

Head and neck paragangliomas: clinical and molecular genetic classification

Head and neck paragangliomas are tumors arising from specialized neural crest cells. Prominent locations are the carotid body along with the vagal, jugular, and tympanic glomus. Head and neck paragangliomas are slowly growing tumors, with some carotid body tumors being reported to exist for many years as a painless lateral mass on the neck. Symptoms depend on the specific locations. In contrast to paraganglial tumors of the adrenals, abdomen and thorax, head and neck paragangliomas seldom release catecholamines and are hence rarely vasoactive. Petrous bone, jugular, and tympanic head and neck paragangliomas may cause hearing loss. The internationally accepted clinical classifications for carotid body tumors are based on the Shamblin Class I-III stages, which correspond to postoperative permanent side effects. For petrous-bone paragangliomas in the head and neck, the Fisch classification is used. Regarding the molecular genetics, head and neck paragangliomas have been associated with nine susceptibility genes: NF1, RET, VHL, SDHA, SDHB, SDHC, SDHD, SDHAF2 (SDH5), and TMEM127. Hereditary HNPs are mostly caused by mutations of the SDHD gene, but SDHB and SDHC mutations are not uncommon in such patients. Head and neck paragangliomas are rarely associated with mutations of VHL, RET, or NF1. The research on SDHA, SDHAF2 and TMEM127 is ongoing. Multiple head and neck paragangliomas are common in patients with SDHD mutations, while malignant head and neck paraganglioma is mostly seen in patients with SDHB mutations. The treatment of choice is surgical resection. Good postoperative results can be expected in carotid body tumors of Shamblin Class I and II, whereas operations on other carotid body tumors and other head and neck paragangliomas frequently result in deficits of the cranial nerves adjacent to the tumors. Slow growth and the tendency of hereditary head and neck paragangliomas to be multifocal may justify less aggressive treatment strategies.

Paragangliome du sinus caverneux. À propos d'un cas

A case of paraganglioma arising from the cavernous area is presented. A 51-year-old woman presented with a parasellar mass causing decreased visual acuity, oculomotor nerve paresis and retro-orbital headaches without endocrinological dysfunction. Diagnosis was confirmed by histological appearance and electron microscopy. The patient was treated with surgery followed by radiation therapy consisting of 45 Gy. The clinicopathological features and the possible pathogenesis are discussed.

Neuroendocrine neoplasms of the larynx: Advances in identification, understanding, and management

While 85-90% of laryngeal malignancies prove to be squamous carcinomas, the second most common tumour type found in the laryngeal region will prove to be a member of the family of neuroendocrine tumours. Laryngeal carcinoid tumours have a capacity for metastasis, and so are more aggressive tumours than their light microscopic features might imply--5-year survival rates are in the vicinity of 50%. Laryngeal atypical carcinoid tumours are lesions with a well-recognized capacity for local recurrence as well as metastasis, with a 5-year survival of just under 50%. Laryngeal small cell neuroendocrine carcinomas are particularly aggressive tumours, with a 5-year survival of no more than 5-10%. Laryngeal paragangliomas are lesions without any real capacity for metastasizing. Surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment of carcinoid tumours, atypical carcinoid tumours, and paragangliomas. Small cell neuroendocrine carcinomas are chiefly treated by way of radiation and chemotherapy; the role of adjuvant therapy in the treatment of atypical carcinoid tumours remains to be established.

Multiple familial facial glomus: case report and review of the literature

Facial paraganglioma is an extremely rare tumor that originates from abnormal paraganglionic tissue situated in the intrapetrous facial canal. A review of the English-language literature shows that only 8 cases of facial nerve paraganglioma have been published. In each case the facial glomus presented itself sporadically, completely independent of any other form of paraganglioma. This study reports an intrapetrous facial glomus that occurred in a case of multiple paragangliomas with a hereditary pattern. To our knowledge, this is the first report of such a combination.

Use of radial forearm free flap with palmaris longus tendon in reconstruction of total maxillectomy with sparing of orbital contents

Nasal paragangliomas are extremely rare. The most adequate treatment is total excision. After surgical excision requiring total maxillectomy, there has been no ideal technique for reconstruction. A 47-year-old man was admitted to our clinic because of recurrent epistaxis, which lasted for 2 months. He was also suffering from nasal airway obstruction. The physical examination revealed a mass originating from the medial aspect of the middle turbinate of the right nasal cavity. It invaded the anterior maxillary wall and hard and soft palate. Endoscopic examination showed that the mass pushed the nasal septum to the left side and protruded into the nasopharynx. The mass was fleshy and had a rich capillary network. Conventional paranasal sinus radiographs were normal. Computerized tomography of the skull showed the mass protruding into the nasopharynx. A total maxillectomy was performed. Histopathological evaluation showed neoplastic tissue consisting of round, oval, or slightly elongated cells, altogether of a rather monomorphous appearance, tending to arrange themselves in clusters adjacent to or around capillary blood vessels. The blood vessels were numerous and branched. Reticulum staining showed a typical Zellballen arrangement of the neoplastic cells to provide a firmer basis for the diagnosis of paraganglioma. To reconstruct the total maxillectomy defect, a radial forearm free flap with the palmaris longus tendon was elevated to inlay the nasal cavity and the oral cavity and to suspend the ocular globe. The flap was placed into the defect, and the palmaris longus tendon was medially and laterally anchored to the periosteum of the frontal bone to suspend the ocular globe in the orbital cavity. One part of the skin island was used to close the defect of the nasal mucosal cavity, and the other part was used to repair the oral mucosal defect of the palate. Consequently, speech was considered near normal; the patient was able to eat an unrestricted diet and to retain both solid and liquid food inside the oral cavity without drooling, and there was no diplopia or enophthalmos. Six months later, porous polyethylene was inserted and fixed to the zygomatic bone with a miniplate and miniscrews to restore malar contour. No further procedure was believed to be necessary later on. Two years later, a satisfactory and functional esthetic result was obtained, providing an acceptable suspension of the ocular globe and filling of the total maxillectomy defect. We believe that a total maxillectomy is indicated if it is needed in nasal paragangliomas and that microsurgical repair with the composite radial forearm-palmaris longus free flap has several advantages: 1) it can offer en bloc reconstruction of the entire defect after a total maxillectomy in terms of good function and cosmesis; 2) it can repair mucosal defects; and 3) it can anchor and suspend the ocular globe in its original anatomical location, protecting against gravity through the sling effect of the palmaris longus tendon. The composite radial forearm-palmaris longus free flap has not been described previously for suspension of the ocular globe.

Paraganglioma of the cervical sympathetic trunk

We report the case of a 17-year-old man who presented with left-sided Horner's syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a spindle-shaped cervical tumor in the left paravertebral space. During operation, a tumor originating from the left sympathetic trunk was found. The histopathologic analysis showed a sympathetic paraganglioma. The sympathetic trunk is an extremely rare location for a cervical paraganglioma; only a few cases have been reported in the literature.

Sympathetic paraganglioma as an unusual cause of Horner's syndrome

BACKGROUND

Paragangliomas are rare tumors arising from paraganglionic tissue of neural crest origin. They are present in any location where autonomic ganglia are found. The most common location in the head and neck is the carotid body, followed by the jugular bulb and vagus nerve.

METHODS

A 30-year-old woman with a slowly growing left neck mass, aniscoria, and left eyelid ptosis was found to have a vascular tumor consistent with a paraganglioma arising near the left carotid bifurcation. After preoperative embolization, the patient underwent resection of the tumor.

RESULTS

The tumor was found to be arising from the left sympathetic trunk and did not involve any other surrounding structures. Histopathologic analysis revealed the typical findings of a paraganglioma.

CONCLUSIONS

Sympathetic paragangliomas are exceedingly rare tumors in the head and neck and should be considered in the differential diagnosis when clinical and radiographic evidence suggest a paraganglioma. The presentation is typically a slow-growing neck mass with the presence of an ipsilateral Horner's syndrome.

From the archives of the AFIP. Paragangliomas of the head and neck: radiologic-pathologic correlation. Armed Forces Institute of Pathology

Paragangliomas of the head and neck are ubiquitous in their distribution, originating from the paraganglia or glomus cells within the carotid body, vagal nerve, middle ear, jugular foramen, and numerous other locations. The typical patient is middle-aged and presents late in the course of the disease, with a painless slow-growing mass. Clinical manifestations include hoarseness of voice, lower cranial nerve palsies, pulsatile tinnitus, and other neuro-otologic symptoms. The overall prognosis of patients with a cervical paraganglioma is favorable, whereas its temporal bone counterpart often results in recurrence, residual tumor, and neurovascular compromise when in the advanced stage. Pathologic examination reveals a characteristic biphenotypic cell line, composed of chief cells and sustentacular cells with a peripheral fibrovascular stromal layer that are organized into a whorled pattern ("zellballen"). Imaging hallmarks of paragangliomas of the head and neck include an enhancing soft-tissue mass in the carotid space, jugular foramen, or tympanic cavity at computed tomography; a salt-and-pepper appearance at standard spin-echo magnetic resonance imaging; and an intense blush at angiography. Imaging studies depict the location and extent of tumor involvement, help determine the surgical approach, and help predict operative morbidity and mortality. Surgical treatment is definitive. Radiation treatment is included as a palliative adjunct for the exceptional paraganglioma not amenable to surgery.

Malignant paraganglioma of frontoethmoidal region

Nonchromaffin paragangliomas are unusual tumours arising from widely distributed paraganglionic tissues probably of neural crest origin. In the head and neck region they are usually seen as carotid body or jugulotympanic tumours. Other rarely reported sites in the head and neck region are the orbit, nose and larynx. This report deals with a case of sinonasal paraganglioma which was initially treated with surgery and radiotherapy. Twenty two years later the tumour recurred and showed a rapid growth due to malignant transformation which we believe is late effect of radiotherapy. The clinical features, histopathology and role of radiotherapy in sinonasal paragangliomas together with a review of the medical literature have been discussed.

Laryngeal paraganglioma. A review and report of a single case

Laryngeal paraganglioma originates in the neural crest cells in the laryngeal paraganglia. Two distinct types may be cited on the basis of clinical features, but biopsy is essential for diagnosis. By light microscopy, the Zellballen pattern appears pathognomonic. The treatment consists of surgical excision. In this article, due to the rareness of the tumour, one case of laryngeal paraganglioma is presented. The general knowledge and the available literature are reviewed. The difficulties in the differential diagnosis are stressed and treatment principles are discussed.

Management of the internal carotid artery during carotid body tumor surgery

Patients with carotid body tumors require accurate preoperative assessment of vessel involvement and the probable impact of interrupting blood flow through the internal carotid artery. Recent developments in imaging, methods of measuring cerebral blood flow, balloon occlusion testing, and techniques to maintain vascular flow when a graft is required have improved the surgeon's ability to completely resect these tumors with reduced complications. We discuss these methods with respect to our review of 20 carotid body tumors in 18 patients. Twenty-five percent of patients were misdiagnosed, and in four patients injury to the vessel wall required appropriate surgical intervention.

Identification, classification, treatment, and prognosis of laryngeal paraganglioma. Review of the literature and eight new cases

This study details the clinicopathologic features of 62 cases of laryngeal paraganglioma (LP), including 54 acceptable cases identified in the literature (although clinical information is lacking on 7 of these) and 8 previously unpublished cases identified from the Registry of Otolaryngic-Endocrine Pathology at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology. Demographic findings show that the overwhelming majority of cases affect women (41:14), mainly in the fourth to sixth decades of life (age range, 14 to 83 years; median, 44 years), with a prevalence in the supraglottic larynx. These neoplasms are treated by surgical resection and are benign. Despite the characteristic pathologic features associated with LP, it is sometimes confused with other neoplasms, particularly neuroendocrine carcinomas of the larynx, and this confusion leads to unfortunate designations such as malignant paraganglioma and metastasizing paraganglioma of the larynx. Judging from the cases reported in this study and those identified in the literature, we conclude that malignant biologic behavior associated with LP is extraordinarily rare (< 2%). Because of the misdiagnoses of LP, the prognosis associated with this entity has been skewed to suggest that LP may behave aggressively. This has led to the inappropriate classification of LP among the malignant categories of laryngeal neuroendocrine neoplasms. The goal of this study is to detail the features diagnostic of LP and to discuss the appropriate treatment, prognosis, and classification of these neoplasms.

MRI features in a malignant glomus jugulare tumour

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features in a case of malignant glomus jugulare tumour are reported. Chemodectomas are benign in 95 per cent of cases and malignant in five per cent. Only one case report of CT findings in this unusual CP angle tumour with pulmonary metastases has been cited in the literature. It is concluded that MRI can provide useful information about the nature of chemodectomas although it cannot distinguish between benign and malignant tumours, except when regional lymph nodes are involved or when distant metastases exist.

Paragangliomas of the sellar region: report of two cases

Two cases of paraganglioma arising from the parasellar region are presented. Both occurred in middle-aged women who sought treatment of headaches but who had no endocrinological dysfunction; one case was associated with ophthalmoplegia from cavernous sinus involvement. Diagnosis in both cases was confirmed by typical histological appearance and cytochemical demonstration of immunoreactive chromogranin in tumor cells. The pathological features and possible pathogenesis of parasellar paragangliomas are discussed.