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Turkish Neurosurgery 2024Vagal paragangliomas (VPs) are rare tumors arising from paraganglionic tissue within the vagal nerve's perineurium. Usually, benign vascular tumors, VPs tend to invade...
Vagal paragangliomas (VPs) are rare tumors arising from paraganglionic tissue within the vagal nerve's perineurium. Usually, benign vascular tumors, VPs tend to invade the surrounding structures. Herein, we report the case of a VP presenting as a neck mass, which was evaluated as a glomus caroticum tumor preoperatively. A 65-year-old female complaining of a left-sided neck mass and intermittent hoarseness was assessed and operated on for possible glomus caroticum tumor. During the tumor excision, the vagal nerve was also involved, and hence, sacrificed. Histopathological examination revealed an encapsulated tumor associated with a nerve and ganglion and immunohistochemical staining tested positive for succinate dehydrogenase, confirming the diagnosis of VP. Postoperative residual hoarseness was corrected by vocal rehabilitation. While evaluating a retropharyngeal prestyloid neck mass, a VP should always be considered. Surgical excision involving vagal scarification, followed by vocal rehabilitation may be the appropriate treatment strategy.
Topics: Female; Humans; Aged; Hoarseness; Paraganglioma, Extra-Adrenal; Vagus Nerve; Immunohistochemistry; Paraganglioma
PubMed: 37846532
DOI: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.40702-22.2 -
Cancers Apr 2024Head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs) are rare and have high rates of genetic mutations. We conducted a retrospective review of 187 patients with 296 PGLs diagnosed...
Head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs) are rare and have high rates of genetic mutations. We conducted a retrospective review of 187 patients with 296 PGLs diagnosed between 1974 and 2023. The mean age of diagnosis was 48.8 years (range 10 to 82) with 69.0% female and 26.5% patients with multiple PGLs. Among 119 patients undergoing genetic testing, 70 (58.8%) patients had mutations, with SDHB (30) and SDHD (26) being the most common. The rates of metastasis and recurrence were higher among patients with SDHB mutations or SDHD mutations associated with multiple PGLs. Metabolic evaluation showed elevated plasma dopamine levels were the most common derangements in HNPGL. MRI and CT were the most common anatomic imaging modalities and DOTATATE was the most common functional scan used in this cohort. Most patients (81.5%) received surgery as the primary definitive treatment, while 22.5% patients received radiation treatment, mostly as an adjuvant therapy or for surgically challenging or inoperable cases. Systemic treatment was rarely used in our cohort. Our single-center experience highlights the need for referral for genetic testing and metabolic evaluation and for a team-based approach to improve the clinical outcomes of patients with HNPGLs.
PubMed: 38672605
DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081523 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Vagal paraganglioma (VPGL) is a rare neuroendocrine tumor that originates from the paraganglion associated with the vagus nerve. VPGLs present challenges in terms of...
Vagal paraganglioma (VPGL) is a rare neuroendocrine tumor that originates from the paraganglion associated with the vagus nerve. VPGLs present challenges in terms of diagnostics and treatment. VPGL can occur as a hereditary tumor and, like other head and neck paragangliomas, is most frequently associated with mutations in the genes. However, data regarding the genetics of VPGL are limited. Herein, we report a rare case of a 41-year-old woman with VPGL carrying a germline variant in the gene. Using whole-exome sequencing, a variant, p.S249R, was identified; no variants were found in other PPGL susceptibility and candidate genes. Loss of heterozygosity analysis revealed the loss of the wild-type allele of the gene in the tumor. The pathogenic effect of the p.S249R variant on FH activity was confirmed by immunohistochemistry for S-(2-succino)cysteine (2SC). Potentially deleterious somatic variants were found in three genes, , , and . The latter two encode transcriptional regulators that can impact gene expression deregulation and are involved in tumor development and progression. Moreover, -mutated VPGL was characterized by a molecular phenotype different from -mutated PPGLs. In conclusion, the association of genetic changes in the gene with the development of VPGL was demonstrated. The germline variant : p.S249R and somatic deletion of the second allele can lead to biallelic gene damage that promotes tumor initiation. These results expand the clinical and mutation spectra of -related disorders and improve our understanding of the molecular genetic mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of VPGL.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Acid Anhydride Hydrolases; Cranial Nerve Neoplasms; Exome Sequencing; Germ-Line Mutation; Paraganglioma; Vagus Nerve Diseases
PubMed: 38721148
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1381093 -
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal May 2024To summarize the clinicopathological and genetic features of malignant paragangliomas in head and neck cancer and to explore the appropriate treatment options for this...
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. 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. 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. 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.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Adult; Mutation; Paraganglioma; Prognosis; Carotid Body Tumor; Succinate Dehydrogenase; Aged; Lymphatic Metastasis
PubMed: 34654328
DOI: 10.1177/01455613211052338 -
OTO Open 2024High-altitude natives have a high incidence of parangangliomas (PGL) of the head and neck, especially the carotid body tumor. The aim of this study is to describe the...
OBJECTIVES
High-altitude natives have a high incidence of parangangliomas (PGL) of the head and neck, especially the carotid body tumor. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical presentation, pattern, altitude of residence, distribution, management, and follow-up of head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGL) in our sub-Himalayan population.
STUDY DESIGN
Retrospective cohort study.
SETTING
Academic tertiary care hospital.
METHODS
Hospital records of 20 patients of HNPGL diagnosed from December 2017 to December 2021 were retrieved for analysis.
RESULTS
Twenty patients with 23 HNPGL, with a mean age of 41.74 years were managed in our institute. The female-to-male ratio was 2.3: 1 and the mean follow-up was 29.95 months. Nine had carotid body (CBPGL), 7 had tympanic (TPGL), 2 had jugular (JPGL), and 2 had vagal paragangliomas (VPGL). Multiple PGL were seen in 4 patients (20%). Majority of cases (all CBPGL and 57.14% of TPGL) were residents of the high altitude, and the rest were from the low altitude. Fifteen patients (8 CBPGL, 7 TPGL) were operated. There were no major complications except in a patient with large carotid body tumor required anastomosis of carotid artery. Five patients received stereotactic radiotherapy, and 1 malignant PGL received chemoradiotherapy.
CONCLUSION
In this study, JPGL and VPGL are common at low altitudes, whereas carotid body and tympanic PGL were the most common tumor at high altitudes. Being a retrospective and study small sample size, a definite conclusion is not established, however, a genetic analysis and inclusion of a wider population in a future prospective study may establish the hypothesis.
PubMed: 38357702
DOI: 10.1002/oto2.112 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Dec 2023Paragangliomas are rare tumors that most commonly occur in the head and neck. They are typically slow-growing tumors that are often associated with genetic syndromes and...
INTRODUCTION AND SIGNIFICANCE
Paragangliomas are rare tumors that most commonly occur in the head and neck. They are typically slow-growing tumors that are often associated with genetic syndromes and mutations in the enzyme succinate dehydrogenase.
CASE PRESENTATION
We describe a case of a male patient who presented with ear pain and dysphagia. On physical examination, there was a left neck mass and swalling in the left oropharynx. The mass was excised through a cervical approach and it was found to be a vagal paraganglioma.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
A few cases of head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs) have been reported in the medical literature. These tumors often present as asymptomatic masses, but this case, the patient presented with ear pain and dysphagia the location of the mass in the parapharyngeal space presents a surgical challenge. HNPGLs should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any neck mass.
CONCLUSION
Paragangliomas are generally considered to have a good prognosis when they are completely excised. They rarely metastasize to adjacent or distant tissues. Cervical approach is a valid option for complete excision of cervical paraganglioma.
PubMed: 37984258
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2023.109025 -
Cureus Mar 2024Paragangliomas (PGLs) are tumors that are rarely malignant; the majority of them are benign. Similar to pheochromocytoma, they develop from the autonomic nerve system....
Paragangliomas (PGLs) are tumors that are rarely malignant; the majority of them are benign. Similar to pheochromocytoma, they develop from the autonomic nerve system. This system originates from neural crest cells and can undergo neoplastic transformation. PGLs can arise either inside or outside the adrenal glands. Head and neck PGLs are very scarce. The primary locations where this tumor commonly originates within this region are the carotid body, jugular bulb, and vagal body. Hence, in our case report, we attempt to highlight the uncommon presentation of this disease in a 46-year-old female, who initially presented with hypertension and persistent dysphonia. The patient underwent successful external radiotherapy. This case report aims to raise awareness of the characteristics of these rare malignancies.
PubMed: 38586626
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55720