Work

Malignant paraganglioma of the vagus nerve: diagnostic and therapeutic strategies—a case report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Vagal paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors of the parapharyngeal space, with a small subset exhibiting malignant behavior. Their diagnosis and management remain challenging owing to anatomical complexity and risk of cranial nerve morbidity. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a 46-year-old Maghrebine woman presenting with severe dysphagia and a right lateral cervical mass. Imaging revealed a 40.2 × 40 × 20.6 mm right poststyloid parapharyngeal mass. Surgical excision was performed. Histopathology confirmed metastatic paraganglioma with lymph node involvement, establishing malignancy by current criteria. The patient was referred for adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. CONCLUSION: Malignant vagal paragangliomas require a multidisciplinary approach combining surgery and adjuvant therapies. Genetic testing and long-term follow-up are essential given the risk of metastasis and familial syndromes.

Source: Journal of Medical Case Reports

DOI: 10.1186/s13256-025-05417-6

Authors: Messaoudi Karim, Walid Yacine Mohamed Cherif

Institutions: University of Ouargla, University of Algiers Benyoucef Benkhedda

Language: English

Topic: Adrenal and Paraganglionic Tumors

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,890