PARAGANGLIOMA OF THE EXTERNAL AUDITORY MEATUS
Abstract
Paragangliomas are uncommon tumors, with apresumed origin from 'glomus cells' at various placesin the body. They have also been mistakenly labelledas Glomus Jugulare tumors. The actual origin fromneural crest epithelium and its derivative structures isoften difficult to judge from the histologicalappearance, as they appear more epithelial or"endothelial" in routine light microscopic sections.The higher resolution of the Electron Microscope aswell as special stains for neuroepithelial products willgenerally resolve their nature in difficult cases. Theyare different from Chemodectomas with which theyare often classified, as they do not show chromaffinactivity, the hallmark of adrenal or extra-adrenalchromaffin tumors.References
Lattes R, Walter JG. Nonchromaffin paraganglioma of
the middle ear (carotid-body-like tumor, glomus
jugulare tumor). Cancer 2:447-468, 1949.
Rossenwasser H. Glomus jugulare tumors. Arch
Otolaryngnol 88:1-40, 1968.
Shermer KL, Pantius EE, Dziabis MD, McQuistan RJ.
Tumors of the glomus jugulare and glomus
tympanicum. Cancer 19:1273-1280, 1966.
Skolyszewski J, Korzeniowski S, Pszon J. Results of
radiotherapy in chemodectoma of the temporal bone.
Acta Oncol 30(7):847-849, 1991.
Rosai J (ed.) Ackerman's Surgical Pathology, 7th
edition, Vol. 2, Jaypee Brothers. India, 1990; Chap. 31:
Ear, pp 1849-1858.
Reddy EK, Mansfield CM, Hartmen GV.
Chemodectomas of glomus jugulare. Cancer 52:337-
, 1983.
Alford BR, Guilford FR. A comprehensive study of
tumors of the glomus jugulare. Laryngoscope 72:765-
, 1962.
Larson TC III, Reese DF, Baker HI Jr, McDonald TJ.
Glomus tympanicum chemodectomas. Radiographic
and clinical characteristics. Radiology 163:801-806,
Konefal JB, Pilepich MN, Spector GJ, Perez CA.
Radiation therapy in the treatment of chemodectomas.
Laryngoscope 97:1331-1335, 1987