[Cervical branchiomeric paraganglioma. Report of 21 cases]

Over the last 24 years the authors operated 21 branchiomeric paragangliomas in 18 patients. They emphasize the difficulty of making the diagnosis and the importance of completing a thorough work-up before deciding surgery. Adequate imaging is particularly important (neck sonography, computed tomography, arteriography) to avoid making the diagnosis by exploratory neck dissection and to assess the vascular risk. Biological studies have regained importance, especially in the context of complex neuro-cristopathy. Treatment is essentially surgical and must be considered with prudence in patients with bilateral lesions. The surgical removal of branchiomeric paragangliomas necessitates preparation of a small saphenous vein bypass in case it is not possible to avoid sacrificing the internal carotid artery.