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Paragangliomas of the Head and Neck: An Overview from Diagnosis to Genetics

  • PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2017 NORTH AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEAD AND NECK PATHOLOGY COMPANION MEETING (SAN ANTONIO, TX)
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Abstract

Paragangliomas (PGL) develop from the parasympathetic system in the head and neck (HN) and arise primarily in four distinct areas: Carotid body, vagal, middle ear, and larynx. Globally, the diagnosis and morphologic features are the same regardless of anatomic site, however the incidence, frequency of genetic alterations/syndromes and differential diagnosis vary. It is now recognized that nearly 40% of all HN PGLs are hereditary, including a significant subset without a known family history. Now pathologists are central to the evaluation for diagnosis and further management of patients with HNPGLs. Specifically, SDHB immunohistochemical evaluation is an excellent screening tool to detect tumors with alterations in the SDH family of genes that represent the majority of hereditary cases in HNPGL. Similarly, SDHB immunohistochemical analysis allows for screening of PGL syndrome associated tumors (gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and pituitary adenomas) that have now been linked by their overlapping gene alterations. Awareness of the spectrum of these syndromes, and their associated tumors, positions the pathologist to augment patient care and surveillance.

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  1. Department of Pathology, Head and Neck Section, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 085, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Michelle D Williams

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  1. Michelle D Williams
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Correspondence to Michelle D Williams.

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Proceedings of the 2017 North American Society of Head and Neck Pathology Companion Meeting (San Antonio, TX).

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Williams, M.D. Paragangliomas of the Head and Neck: An Overview from Diagnosis to Genetics. Head and Neck Pathol 11, 278–287 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-017-0803-4

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