Parapharyngeal paraganglioma: diagnosis on fine-needle aspiration

Carotid body tumors constitute the third commonest group of parapharyngeal tumors. Newer diagnostic modalities such as computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging, and Doppler ultrasound are commonly used for diagnosing lesions at this site. However, simple technique of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is rarely performed in apprehension of complication of hemorrhage. Present case report is of carotid body paraganglioma diagnosed on FNA without any complications and thus providing definite preoperative diagnosis to the surgeon.