Paragangliomas may involve the middle ear and/or temporal bone. The middle ear is the second most common site of extra-adrenal paragangliomas.
The paragangliomas may arise from:
• paraganglia associated with the auricular branch of the vagus nerve
• paraganglia associated with the tympanic branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve
• paraganglia associated with the bulb of the jugular vein
Clinical Feature
Stage
• tumor confined to the middle ear
• symptoms of deafness and pulsating tinnitus
0
• penetration of the tympanic membrane
• discharge and/or bleeding
1
• facial nerve paralysis
• occasionally radiographic changes in the mastoid bone
2
• extension beyond the middle ear
• hoarseness and vertigo
3
• multiple otological and neurological symptoms
• involvement of other cranial nerves
4
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
Specialty: Hematology Oncology, Surgery, general, Endocrinology
