paraganglií

Paragangliia are extra-adrenal neuroendocrine tumors that arise from paraganglia, which are collections of chromaffin cells. These cells are part of the sympathetic nervous system and are responsible for producing catecholamines like norepinephrine and epinephrine. Paragangliia can occur in various locations throughout the body, including the neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvis.

The most common symptom of a paraganglioma is hypertension, which may be episodic or sustained. Other symptoms can include headaches, palpitations, sweating, and anxiety, often triggered by physical exertion, stress, or certain foods. Some paragangliia, particularly those in the head and neck region, are non-functional and do not produce excess catecholamines, leading to symptoms related to mass effect such as neck masses, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing.

Diagnosis of paraganglioma involves biochemical testing to measure levels of catecholamines and their metabolites in the blood and urine. Imaging studies such as CT scans, MRI, or MIBG scintigraphy are used to locate the tumor. Treatment typically involves surgical resection of the tumor. In cases where surgery is not feasible or the tumor is malignant, medication to control blood pressure and other symptoms may be used. Close lifelong follow-up is recommended due to the potential for recurrence or the development of new tumors.