Simple and complex carotid paragangliomas. Three decades of experience and literature review

• Published in: Head & neck Vol. 42; no. 12; pp. 3538 - 3550
• Main Authors: Lozano, Francisco S., Muñoz, Angel, las Heras, José A., González‐Porras, José R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken, USA John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01-12-2020; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: bilateral paraganglioma; carotid body tumor; carotid paraganglioma; Head and neck; Literature reviews; malignant paraganglioma; Morbidity; Mortality; multicentric paraganglioma; Neuroendocrine tumors; Paraganglioma; Tumors; bilateral paraganglioma; carotid body tumor; malignant paraganglioma; carotid paraganglioma; multicentric paraganglioma
• ISSN: 1043-3074; 1097-0347
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.26421

Background
Carotid paragangliomas are rare tumors. They are usually unique, non‐secreting, resectable, and benign. However, additional rare cases of complex tumors (bilateral, secretory, nonresectable, or malignant) complicate the management and final outcomes.
Methods
Records of paragangliomas from our hospital are reviewed. Criteria defining complex paragangliomas have been previously defined. These are compared with those of the simple group.
Results
Fifty patients, two groups: simple (n = 39) and complex (n = 11). The patients in the complex group were significantly younger (47.7 vs 63.8 years). Postoperative nerve complications (45.4% vs 6.3%) and mortality during follow‐up (27.3% vs 0%) were significantly more common in the complex group. Vascular complications (0% vs 3.1%) and early mortality (0%) were similarly in both groups.
Conclusions
Patients with complex carotid paragangliomas are heterogeneous. The former are younger, exhibit a high degree of diagnostic and therapeutic complexity, and have poorer morbidity and mortality. Surgical experience and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential.