Nasal and nasopharyngeal paraganglioma

Paragangliomas of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx should be classified according to the presumed origin from the nasal, jugulotympanic, vagal, or ciliary paraganglion because of the substantial differences in clinical behavior and operative management. This paper presents the ninth published case of a primary nasal paraganglioma and reviews the previously reported cases. Primary nasal paragangliomas are generally localized, although the potential for local invasion is well documented. Malignancy or functional activity has not been described. Complete excision is curative. Jugulotympanic, vagal, and ciliary paragangliomas with extension into the nasopharynx or nasal cavity are typically more advanced at the time of diagnosis and require complete evaluation by computed tomography and arteriography to determine the tumor extent. The operative approach is dependant on the extent of tumor invasion. Irradiation and tumor embolization have been useful for unresectable or partially excised tumors.