Laryngeal paragangliomas: evaluation and treatment

Paragangliomas are uncommon laryngeal tumors. A comprehensive review of the world literature disclosed the use of a variety of terms to designate the same disease as a result of the historical uncertainty of its origin. Important features of these neoplasms not previously reported include the high mortality rate in patients presenting with laryngeal pain and the need for longer follow-up periods to judge biological aggressiveness. An additional patient is presented to illustrate the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges inherent in the management of laryngeal paragangliomas. Radiotherapy has not been found to be beneficial, and surgery remains the treatment of choice for patients with laryngeal paragangliomas.