Non-resectable head and neck paraganglioma: A case series and literature review

Paragangliomas or chemodectomas are rare neuroendocrine tumours arising from neural crest germ cells located in the sympathetic or parasympathetic system. They are generally benign but locally aggressive tumours. Surgery remains the standard treatment, but for certain tumours that are inoperable or deemed non-resectable due to the patient's general condition, the size of the tumour or local extension with intimate relationships with vascular-nerve structures, radiotherapy may constitute an alternative and exclusive therapeutic option that proves effective. The aim of our study was to evaluate the epidemiological, clinical, para-clinical and evolutionary results, in particular local control and possible toxicities of exclusive irradiation of 6 cases of cervical paragangliomas judged to be unresectable. This case serie, accompanied by a review of the literature, highlights current diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in the management of cervical paraganglioma.