Approach to initial management of locoregional paragangliomas

Prior to initiating treatment, patients with head and neck paragangliomas should undergo testing for hypersecretion of catecholamines, appropriate radiographic imaging, and a complete examination of the head and neck region as well as swallowing and voice evaluation to assess for lower cranial nerve function. For patients with paraganglioma, locoregional management of the primary tumor is the same regardless of whether the tumor is localized or metastatic. Refer to UpToDate content on treatment of paragangliomas.