Vagal Paraganglioma Arising in the Parapharyngeal Space : A Case Report

Abstract

A rare case of paraganglioma arising in the vagus is reported. A 36-year-old woman complained of neck swelling. She underwent CT, MRI and angiography and was diagnosed as hypervascular tumor occupying the right parapharyngeal space. This tumor was totally removed using a mandibular swing approach. Prior to tumor removal, feeding artery was ligated, and relatively little bleeding (244 ml) was noted for such a case. After the surgery, she developed difficulty in swallowing, hoarseness and Homer's syndrome. She underwent additional surgeries: cricopharyngeal myotomy, laryngeal elevation and arytenoid roatation. Except these problems, the postoperative course was uneventful and she was free from disease for 12 months.