Current management of paragangliomas.

Since 1948, 33 paragangliomas in 32 patients were seen and studied at Charity Hospital. Tumors of the head and neck comprised the bulk of recorded instances, with only five paragangliomas being noted below the diaphragm. The most frequent symptoms correlated closely with tumor location and were related to local mass effect. Angiography remains an important diagnostic study for tumors of the head and neck with computed tomography scanning becoming increasingly important in large paragangliomas of the jugular region. Paragangliomas of the retroperitoneal space can be successfully located by a computed tomography scan, although a new radionuclide scan may prove to be more specific in the future. Tumors of the urinary bladder and retroperitoneal space are commonly endocrine functional and have a greater metastatic potential than do paragangliomas in other locations. Over-all, total excision is possible with complete recovery in most instances. Prolonged follow-up study is recommended, however, as local recurrences and distant metastases may present years after the initial diagnosis.