Head-and-neck paragangliomas: An overview of 54 cases operated at a tertiary care center

BACKGROUND: Head-and-neck paragangliomas (HNP's) are rare autonomic neoplasms associated with high morbidity and mortality. We aimed to study epidemiology, clinicopathological correlation, and management of HNP to assist clinicians in advocating the most appropriate therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Epidemiological parameters, including age and sex distribution, clinical presentation, tumor classification, familial predisposition, multicentricity, and treatment modalities adopted, were analyzed in this retrospective analysis of 54 patients of HNP. RESULTS: Age ranged from 15 to 85 years, with a female preponderance. Among all HNP, carotid body tumor (CBT) (48.1%) was the most common, followed by Glomus Jugulare (24.1%). Majority of the patients presented with neck swelling associated with nerve palsies. A preoperative neurological deficit was most commonly observed with Glomus jugulotympanicum (68.4%). CONCLUSION: CBT is the largest and most common paraganglioma in our study. The familial occurrence warrants meticulous screening for multifocality. Tumor location, neurovascular involvement, malignant potential, and patient factors should guide the designing of management options.