Is paraganglioma benign or malignant?
Is paraganglioma benign or malignant?
Paragangliomas are usually noncancerous (benign). But some paragangliomas can become cancerous (malignant) and spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Paragangliomas are rare tumors. They can occur at any age, but they’re most often diagnosed in adults between 30 and 50.
What is the difference between paraganglioma and pheochromocytoma?
Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma are rare tumors that come from the same type of tissue. Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor that forms in the adrenal medulla (the center of the adrenal gland). Paragangliomas form outside the adrenal gland.
What are the symptoms of a paraganglioma?
Some of most common symptoms are pain, hoarseness, fainting (syncope), difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), eye problems (Horner syndrome), and paralysis of the tongue. Cervical paragangliomas are slow-growing tumors that can cause palsy and spread into the skull base.
Is paraganglioma a neuroendocrine tumor?
Paraganglioma is a type of neuroendocrine tumor that forms near certain blood vessels and nerves outside of the adrenal glands.
Are Paragangliomas hereditary?
Paragangliomas are rare tumours of the autonomic nervous system and occur in sporadic and hereditary forms.
Should you biopsy a paraganglioma?
However, a tumor suspected to be a pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma should not have a biopsy, unless it is absolutely necessary to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy of these tumors can cause a serious and even life-threatening release of catecholamines.
Is a paraganglioma a brain tumor?
A paraganglioma is a rare but treatable neuroendocrine tumor that usually forms along major blood vessels and nerve pathways in your neck and head. In most cases, the tumor is benign, but it can be malignant (cancer). Symptoms include high blood pressure and headaches, though you could experience no symptoms.
Where is paraganglioma located?
Paraganglioma is a type of neuroendocrine tumor that forms near certain blood vessels and nerves outside of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are important for making hormones that control many functions in the body and are located on top of the kidneys.
How is paraganglioma diagnosed?
How is paraganglioma diagnosed?
- Lab Tests: If you have symptoms of paraganglioma, your doctor will order lab tests of your urine and blood to check your hormone levels.
- Imaging: Your doctor will use imaging scans such as MRI, CT, and PET to look at where the tumor is and how big it is.
What kind of doctor treats paraganglioma?
A surgical oncologist is a doctor who specializes in cancer surgery. When it is possible, completely removing the entire tumor is the standard first treatment. For people with a head and neck paraganglioma that does not produce catecholamines, “watchful waiting” may be recommended instead.