A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach to Paragangliomas of the Larynx

BACKGROUND: Differentiating paragangliomas from moderately differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma in the larynx is a difficult management problem. As the biological behavior of these 2 entities is different, we developed an algorithm for the preoperative diagnosis and treatment of this disease. DESIGN: The sample case from which the algorithm was developed consisted of a 69-year-old man who was transferred to us after tracheostomy and an attempt at biopsy for airway obstruction secondary to a vascular mass. Biopsy resulted in substantial bleeding. Flexible laryngoscopy showed a vascular mass of the supraglottis. A computed tomographic scan showed 2 vascular masses at the carotid bifurcation and in the larynx. An arteriogram confirmed synchronous vascular tumors. RESULTS: The arteriogram showed the superior thyroid artery to be the major feeder vessel to this mass, a situation commonly seen in paragangliomas but not other neuroendocrine tumors. The presence of synchronous lesions and a vascular mass based on the superior thyroid artery helped differentiate paraganglioma from the other neuroendocrine tumors. As the biological behavior of paragangliomas is relatively benign, we performed a conservative supraglottic laryngectomy and excision of the carotid body tumor. Histologic diagnosis and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the diagnosis of paraganglioma. CONCLUSIONS: The vascular nature of neuroendocrine tumors prevents preoperative pathological diagnosis. Radiologic features demonstrating a vascular mass with a dominant feeder vessel by the superior or inferior thyroid artery may help in the clinical diagnosis of paragangliomas of the larynx. Since paragangliomas are rarely malignant, a conservative surgical procedure should suffice.