[Benign vagal paragangliomas (glomus tumors) in the upper neck. I]

A survey of parasympathic paraganglionic tissue and paragangliomas originating in the head and neck points out that their anatomy, histology and ultrastructures are better known than their physiology and the events of a hormonal activity. The terminology of the paragangliomas is actually confused which is reflected by the insecurity in the biologic evaluation of these structures. By means of three casuistic reports of typical localized vagal paragangliomas all clinical features were represented including possible hormonal effects. Excision is the method of choice in treatment. The surgical technique essentially differs from operations of other paragangliomas in head and neck. The description of prognosis also takes into consideration the criteria of malignancy.