Paraganglioma of the recurrent laryngeal nerve

Abstract

Paragangliomas of the head and neck are rare, and most frequently benign, slow growing, and nonsecretory. The most frequent locations these tumors arise in the head and neck include the carotid body, jugular bulb, vagus nerve, tympanic branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve, and sympathetic chain. Here we present, to our knowledge, the second reported case of paraganglioma of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. This case is unique given the patient presentation due to ipsilateral vocal fold paralysis, which has not previously been reported, lack of previous surgery, and demonstration of loss of succinate dehydrogenase iron-sulfur subunit B expression.

Paraganglioma of the Submandibular Region

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Paraganglioma occurs in the carotid body (most common), jugular foramen, and vagus nerve in the head and neck region. 3,4,6) There have been no reports of paraganglioma in the submandibular region. Paraganglioma is classified into sporadic, familial, and related to high altitudes, of which sporadic form is the most common.…”

“…The diagnostic method for paraganglioma is radiologic examinations. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) facilitate evaluation of the site of origin, vascularity of the lesion, extent of the lesion, and its relationship to adjacent structures. 1,3) In the CT scan, paraganglioma is markedly well contrasted.…”

“…1) Treatment of paraganglioma in head and neck region include surgery, radiotherapy, and proton therapy. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Surgery is the treatment of choice for the management of head and neck paraganglioma. 1,3,7) In addition, regional cervical lymph node should be included in the primary specimen to rule out the malignant transformation.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Paraganglioma is most common in the abdomen, followed by the chest and head and neck. 2,3,6) Paraganglioma accounts for 0.6% of the all the benign tumors affecting the head and neck region. 3) Head and neck paraganglioma is usually slow growing and non-secretory.…”

“…3) Head and neck paraganglioma is usually slow growing and non-secretory. 6) In the head and neck region, it occurs mainly in the temporal bone, jugular foramen, vagus nerve, or carotid body. 3,4,6) Herein, we report a case of paraganglioma of the submandibular region that has not been reported.…”