Current trends in the diagnosis and management of head and neck paragangliomas.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the diagnosis and management of head and neck paragangliomas.

RECENT FINDINGS: The review will focus on three main areas of interest: genetics, newer imaging modalities, and management with radiation therapy.

SUMMARY: The succinate dehydrogenase enzyme complex is important in the pathogenesis of paragangliomas. Magnetic resonance angiography and functional imaging have become very helpful in diagnosing these tumors. Surgery is still the mainstay of therapy, but conventional or stereotactic radiotherapy seems to be a very safe option in very large or inoperable tumors.