Serum Calcitonin Levels may be Used in the Differential Diagnosis of Vagal Glomus

Abstract

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a neuroendocrine (NE) tumor and is very rarely observed. MTC originates from the parafolliculer C cell and can show various histopathological patterns. Head and neck paragangliomas are seen rarely. Paragangliomas in the head and neck region are usually non-functional. MTC should be considered in the differential diagnosis of paragangliomas in the head and neck region. A high degree of clinical investigation is needed to determine the rare potential etiology underlying this condition. Because patients with MTC can present different clinical manifestations, otolaryngologist must be aware of MTC and its rare medical presentations. This case presented here highlights the importance of serum calcitonin levels in the differential diagnosis of paragangliomas in the head and neck region.