RESUMO
The discovery of multiple novel biomarkers in head and neck tumors has led to an increasing interest in utilizing head and neck cytology material as the primary specimens for testing diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Although human papillomavirus and programmed death ligand 1 are the most well-established biomarkers tested in cytology specimens, their utilization in cytology is limited by the absence of standardized protocols for specimen collection and fixation. This has led to a quest for innovative techniques to explore the genomic landscape in head and neck tumors and its application in cytology.
Assuntos
Biomarcadores Tumorais , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço , Humanos , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/patologia , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/diagnóstico , Biópsia por Agulha Fina , Infecções por Papillomavirus/diagnóstico , Infecções por Papillomavirus/patologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Perineural spread (PNS) is associated with a poor prognosis in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (cSCCHN). Hence, investigating facilitators and barriers of early diagnosis and treatment of PNS in cSCCHN may improve outcomes. METHODS: Patients were recruited from an institutional database. Semi-structured interviews were conducted according to the Model of Pathways to Treatment. Thematic analysis was based on the four main intervals in the framework using a data-driven analytical method. RESULTS: Seventeen participants were interviewed. Facilitators included patients' past experiences, symptom progression, trust in healthcare professionals (HCPs), and capacity to leverage relationships. Barriers included difficult diagnoses, limited access to cancer services, lack of care coordination, and lack of awareness of PNS among primary health care providers. CONCLUSION: These findings emphasise the complexity early diagnosis and treatment of PNS. Interventions like clinical practice guidelines, education for HCPs, and telehealth could facilitate timely detection and management.
Assuntos
Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço , Neoplasias Cutâneas , Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Neoplasias Cutâneas/terapia , Neoplasias Cutâneas/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Cutâneas/patologia , Idoso , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/terapia , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/diagnóstico , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/patologia , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas de Cabeça e Pescoço/terapia , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas de Cabeça e Pescoço/diagnóstico , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas de Cabeça e Pescoço/patologia , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/terapia , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/diagnóstico , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/patologiaAssuntos
Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço , Melanoma , Neoplasias Cutâneas , Humanos , Melanoma/epidemiologia , Melanoma/patologia , Melanoma/diagnóstico , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/epidemiologia , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/patologia , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Cutâneas/patologia , Neoplasias Cutâneas/epidemiologia , Neoplasias Cutâneas/diagnóstico , Feminino , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Idoso , Adulto , Fatores de Risco , Invasividade Neoplásica , Idoso de 80 Anos ou maisRESUMO
ead and neck paragangliomaï¼HNPGLï¼ often originates from the parasympathetic ganglia and is a highly invasive benign tumor. The diagnosis and treatment of this disease with strong heterogeneity is still a challenge. In the future, deep exploration is needed in genetic typing, grading diagnosis and treatment decisions, protection of cranial nerves and new drug treatments to better treat this disease.
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Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço , Paraganglioma , Humanos , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/diagnóstico , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/terapia , Paraganglioma/diagnóstico , Paraganglioma/terapiaRESUMO
This observational study aimed retrospectively assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) diagnosis and severity of the disease in southern Brazil. All new cases diagnosed with HNSCC from March 11, 2019 to March 10, 2020 (pre-COVID-19) and from March 11, 2020 to March 10, 2021 (COVID-19) were included. The data collected were: date of the histopathological diagnosis, sociodemographic data, place of residence, data related to the tumor (location of the primary tumor, lymph node involvement, distant metastasis and TNM clinical staging), time elapsed between the diagnosis and treatment initiation. There was no significant difference in the number of new diagnoses in the COVID-19 group (n=45) compared to the pre-COVID-19 group (n=47). There was also no statistical difference regarding patients' sociodemographic profile, time between diagnosis and treatment, and overall TNM staging. However, the clinical N classification was more severe in the COVID-19 group (p=0.021). Patients diagnosed during the COVID-19 pandemic were 4.05 times more likely to have the N-stage more advanced (95% CI:1.62 - 10.12). Although there was no reduction in the number of new diagnosis of HNSCC during COVID-19 pandemic, the diagnosed cases showed lymph node metastasis in more advanced stages.
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COVID-19 , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço , Estadiamento de Neoplasias , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas de Cabeça e Pescoço , Humanos , COVID-19/epidemiologia , Brasil/epidemiologia , Masculino , Estudos Retrospectivos , Feminino , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/epidemiologia , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/patologia , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/diagnóstico , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Idoso , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas de Cabeça e Pescoço/patologia , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas de Cabeça e Pescoço/epidemiologia , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas de Cabeça e Pescoço/virologia , SARS-CoV-2 , Índice de Gravidade de Doença , Adulto , Pandemias , Idoso de 80 Anos ou maisRESUMO
BACKGROUND/AIM: Compared to other cervical localizations, masses of the nuchal region are rare in the clinical practice of otolaryngologists. This study presents the relevant etiologies of nuchal tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 61 cases (5.3%) from 1,150 consecutive cervical biopsies/neck tumor excisions between 2010 and 2022. Lipomatosis or Madelung fat neck diagnoses were excluded. RESULTS: Seventy-seven percent of the biopsies included lymph node tissue. Among the patients, 26 were female and 35 were male. The average diameter of the tumors was 3.5 cm (1.5-9 cm). Of the 33 non-malignant formations (54%, 42.3 years), lymphadenopathy (e.g., toxoplasmosis and tuberculosis) was found in 58% of cases. Lipomas were most common among benign tumors (8 out of 14). Malignant tumors (46%, 63.4 years) included lymphomas (10 cases, 6 recurrences) and metastases (18 cases). The metastases were predominantly squamous cell carcinomas of the pharynx (9 cases, 5 recurrences) and the skin (7 cases, 4 recurrences), as well as two cases of adenocarcinomas from the lung and pancreas. CONCLUSION: Indications of the malignant genesis of a nuchal mass include older patient age and a history of carcinomas in the head and neck region. In carcinomas of the posterior and parietal scalp and neck skin, the nuchal region should be included in the staging and follow-up examinations.
Assuntos
Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço , Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Adulto , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Idoso , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/diagnóstico , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/patologia , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/epidemiologia , Biópsia , Adolescente , Adulto Jovem , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Pescoço/patologiaRESUMO
We describe an elderly patient presenting with pneumothorax, cystic lung disease and a scalp lesion. The pneumothorax resolved after placing a chest tube and suction but recurred within a week. Progression of cystic features was also seen, and biopsies of the lung and scalp lesions were performed. Immunohistochemistry was positive for markers of endothelial cells (CD31 and ERG) and negative for markers expected to be positive in alveolar cells (keratin AE1/AE3 and TTF-1), supporting the diagnosis of metastatic angiosarcoma. Palliative chemotherapy did not prevent progression and the patient expired soon after. In describing the clinico-radiological correlation of metastatic angiosarcoma, we also briefly describe the approach to cystic lung disease. Understanding the pathophysiology of cyst formation in metastatic angiosarcoma may help clinicians to better appreciate and manage the full spectrum of cystic lung disease, especially with atypical features.
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Hemangiossarcoma , Couro Cabeludo , Humanos , Couro Cabeludo/patologia , Hemangiossarcoma/patologia , Hemangiossarcoma/complicações , Evolução Fatal , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patologia , Neoplasias Pulmonares/complicações , Neoplasias Pulmonares/diagnóstico , Masculino , Pneumotórax/etiologia , Progressão da Doença , Cistos , Idoso , Neoplasias Cutâneas/patologia , Neoplasias Cutâneas/diagnóstico , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/patologia , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/diagnóstico , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/complicaçõesRESUMO
The number of urgent '2-week-wait' referrals to hospital for people with suspected head and neck cancer being sent by primary care is constantly growing and it is becoming increasingly difficult for head and neck cancer services to meet this demand. In order for trusts to meet their Faster Diagnosis Standards, there needs to be an effective and efficient way to ensure there is capacity for patients to receive the appropriate assessments and diagnostic investigations without compromising the quality of care delivered. This article presents the proposal of introducing a nurse-led 2-week-wait clinic to meet the ever-growing demands on the service. There is discussion of the consultant-led training programme used to upskill an advanced nurse practitioner in a single-centre study, as well as explanation of the processes followed to maintain patient safety throughout the pilot project. There will also be consideration of clinical governance and discussion of how patient satisfaction with the novel service will be measured.
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Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço , Humanos , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/enfermagem , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/diagnóstico , Reino Unido , Encaminhamento e Consulta , Medicina Estatal , Listas de Espera , Padrões de Prática em Enfermagem , Projetos PilotoRESUMO
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Accurate interpretation of post-treatment imaging in head and neck malignancies poses a challenge due to treatment sequelae. Magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion helps in this scenario by evaluating the hemodynamic characteristics of lesions. This study aimed to elucidate the diagnostic efficacy of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MR perfusion imaging in detecting recurrence in patients after they underwent definitive treatment for head and neck tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients who had received definitive curative-intent treatment for histopathology-proven malignant head and neck tumors and in whom recurrent tumor was detected on precontrast MR imaging (MRI) were accrued in the study. Patients underwent DCE-MR perfusion imaging. Time to peak (TTP), relative maximum enhancement (RME), and relative washout (RWO) ratio were calculated by using time-intensity curve (TIC). The diagnostic accuracy was compared with histopathology. RESULTS: A cut-off value of ≥125.3 for RME showed a sensitivity of 76.2% and specificity of 66.7% for differentiating post-radiation changes and recurrence. The optimal cut-off for RWO ratio was ≥-6.24 with a sensitivity of 76.2% and specificity of 55.6%. The optimal cut-off of TTP was ≤45.8 s with a sensitivity of 61.9% and specificity of 77.8%. Diagnostic accuracies of RME, RWO, and TTP were 73.3%, 70%, and 66.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: DCE-MRI had significant diagnostic accuracy in detecting and differentiating recurrences. TIC analysis of high-temporal resolution DCE-MRI can provide information regarding microcirculation of tumors, and hence can be considered as an imaging modality of choice for assessment of early local tumor recurrence in head and neck tumors.
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Meios de Contraste , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço , Recidiva Local de Neoplasia , Humanos , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/diagnóstico por imagem , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/diagnóstico , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/patologia , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/terapia , Recidiva Local de Neoplasia/diagnóstico por imagem , Recidiva Local de Neoplasia/diagnóstico , Masculino , Feminino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Idoso , Adulto , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética/métodos , Curva ROC , Angiografia por Ressonância Magnética/métodos , Imagem de Perfusão/métodosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: DNA methylation is an important epigenetic modification that plays a crucial role in the development and progression of various tumors. However, the association between methylationdriven genes and diagnosis, prognosis, and immune characteristics of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unclear. METHODS: We obtained transcriptome, methylation, and clinical data from HNSCC patients in TCGA database, and used MethylMix algorithm to identify methylation-driven genes. A methylation driven gene-related risk model was constructed using Lasso regression analysis, and validated using data from GEO database. Immune infiltration and immune function analysis of the expression profiles were conducted using ssGSEA. Differences in immune checkpoint-related genes were analyzed, and the efficacy of immunotherapy was evaluated using TCIA database. Finally, a series of cell functional experiments were conducted to validate the results. RESULTS: Five methylation-driven genes were identified and utilized to construct a prognostic risk model. Based on the median risk score, all patients were categorized into high-risk and low-risk groups. The K-M analysis revealed that patients in the high-risk group have a worse prognosis. Additionally, the risk model demonstrated better prognostic predictive value as indicated by ROC analysis. GSEA enrichment analysis indicated that gene sets in the high and low-risk groups were primarily enriched in pathways associated with tumor immunity and metabolism. Our subsequent investigations showed that high-risk patients exhibited more immunosuppressive phenotypes, while low-risk patients were more likely to respond positively to immunotherapy. CONCLUSION: These findings of our research have the potential to improve patient stratification, guide treatment decisions, and advance the development of personalized therapies for HNSCC.
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Metilação de DNA , Regulação Neoplásica da Expressão Gênica , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas de Cabeça e Pescoço , Transcriptoma , Humanos , Metilação de DNA/genética , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas de Cabeça e Pescoço/genética , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas de Cabeça e Pescoço/imunologia , Prognóstico , Transcriptoma/genética , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/genética , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/imunologia , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/diagnóstico , Biomarcadores Tumorais/genética , Masculino , Feminino , Imunoterapia , Perfilação da Expressão Gênica , Epigênese Genética , Bases de Dados GenéticasRESUMO
Angiosarcoma is a rare, aggressive soft-tissue sarcoma of endothelial origin that necessitates early recognition, diagnosis, and treatment. The most commonly reported presentation consists of violaceous patches and plaques on the head and neck of elderly white men, with fewer reports affecting patients with Skin of Color. Most cases of angiosarcoma are idiopathic and tend to recur locally with early metastasis, conferring a poor prognosis. We report a case of an 83-year-old Fitzpatrick skin type IV man who presented with a large violaceous-to-black mamillated plaque on the frontotemporal scalp that was clinically highly suggestive of cutaneous angiosarcoma. However, unrevealing histopathology complicated our diagnostic process and delayed management. Immunohistochemistry was invaluable in determining the diagnosis of angiosarcoma. Our case highlights the aggressive nature of cutaneous angiosarcoma, necessitating close clinicopathologic correlation to confirm the diagnosis and initiate treatment.
Assuntos
Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço , Hemangiossarcoma , Couro Cabeludo , Neoplasias Cutâneas , Humanos , Hemangiossarcoma/patologia , Hemangiossarcoma/diagnóstico , Masculino , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Neoplasias Cutâneas/patologia , Neoplasias Cutâneas/diagnóstico , Couro Cabeludo/patologia , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/patologia , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/diagnóstico , Imuno-HistoquímicaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Intramuscular hemangiomas (IMH) account for 0.8 % or less of all benign soft tissue tumors in the general population. Due to their uncommon nature, especially in the head and neck, they are often misdiagnosed and not included in the differential diagnosis. METHODS: This study describes a case series of eleven pediatric patients with a diagnosis of IMH through a retrospective review of the electronic health records and archival records in the Department of Pathology at Children's Hospital of Colorado (CHCO). RESULTS: The index case had a unique presentation in the submandibular triangle, while the remaining ten cases are appendicular and thoracolumbar in nature. CONCLUSIONS: This case series contributes to the sparse scientific literature available regarding IMH, particularly in its head and neck presentation as relevant to otolaryngologists.
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Hemangioma , Humanos , Hemangioma/cirurgia , Hemangioma/patologia , Hemangioma/diagnóstico por imagem , Hemangioma/diagnóstico , Masculino , Feminino , Estudos Retrospectivos , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Lactente , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Neoplasias Musculares/patologia , Neoplasias Musculares/cirurgia , Neoplasias Musculares/diagnóstico por imagem , Neoplasias Musculares/diagnóstico , Adolescente , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/patologia , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/diagnóstico , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/cirurgia , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/diagnóstico por imagem , Imageamento por Ressonância MagnéticaRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: There is a lack of comprehensive and uniform data on head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs), and research is challenging due to its rarity and the involvement of multiple medical specialties. To improve current research data collection, we initiated the Head and Neck Paraganglioma Registry (HNPGL Registry). The aim of the HNPGL Registry is to a) collect extensive data on all HNPGL patients through a predefined protocol, b) give insight in the long term outcomes using patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), c) create uniformity in the diagnostic and clinical management of these conditions, and thereby d) help provide content for future (randomized) research. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The HNPGL Registry is designed as a prospective longitudinal observational registry for data collection on HNPGL patients and carriers of (likely) pathogenic variants causative of HNPGLs. All patients, regardless of the received treatment modality, can be included in the registry after informed consent is obtained. All relevant data regarding the initial presentation, diagnostics, treatment, and follow-up will be collected prospectively in an electronic case report form. In addition a survey containing the EuroQol 5D-5L (EQ-5D-5L), European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), Short QUestionnaire to Assess Health-enhancing physical activity (SQUASH), Cancer Worry Scale (CWS) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) will be sent periodically. The registry protocol was approved by the Medical Ethical Review Board of the University Medical Center Utrecht. CONCLUSION: The HNPGL Registry data will be used to further establish the optimal management for HNPGL patients and lay the foundation for guideline recommendations and the outline of future research.
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Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço , Paraganglioma , Qualidade de Vida , Sistema de Registros , Humanos , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/diagnóstico , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/terapia , Paraganglioma/diagnóstico , Paraganglioma/terapia , Estudos Prospectivos , Coleta de Dados , Medidas de Resultados Relatados pelo Paciente , Masculino , Feminino , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
A total of 82 patients and healthy subjects in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from March to August 2023 were recruited. The cohort consisted of 43 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and 39 non-cancer patients or healthy subjects. There were 63 males and 19 females, with a median age of 62 (46, 67) years. The levels of folate receptor-positive circulating tumor cells (FR+CTCs) in the blood of HNSCC patients and non-cancer/healthy subjects were 12.4 (8.5, 17.8) floate unit (FU)/3 ml and 5.0 (3.8, 6.6) FU/3 ml, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for FR+CTCs levels was 0.937 (95%CI: 0.888-0.986, P<0.001), with a cut-off value of 7.4 FU/3 ml determined by the maximum Youden index. At this cut-off value, the sensitivity and specificity of FR+CTCs for diagnosing HNSCC were 90.70% and 89.74%, respectively. The current study suggests that FR+CTCs could be used as a liquid biopsy marker for the screening and diagnosis of HNSCC.
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Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço , Células Neoplásicas Circulantes , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas de Cabeça e Pescoço , Humanos , Feminino , Masculino , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas de Cabeça e Pescoço/diagnóstico , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas de Cabeça e Pescoço/sangue , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Células Neoplásicas Circulantes/metabolismo , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/diagnóstico , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/sangue , Idoso , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Biomarcadores Tumorais/sangue , Curva ROC , Receptores de Folato com Âncoras de GPI/metabolismo , Receptores de Folato com Âncoras de GPI/sangueRESUMO
BACKGROUNDS: Manifestation of cystic hygroma in adulthood is very rare. The rarity of cystic hygroma in adults has caused problems in its diagnosis and management and few studies have reported cystic hygroma in adults. CASE PRESENTATION: In this study, we reported a rare case with cervical cystic hygroma in adults. We report a 20-year-old Iranian male (Iranian ethnicity) with a diagnosis of right-side neck cystic hygroma and discuss the presentation, diagnosis, and clinical, radiological, and operative aspects of it. CONCLUSION: Cystic hygromas are a rare occurrence in adults. They are typically asymptomatic, rarely complicated, and can be mistaken for a cystic neck mass. This study showed that in our case, surgical resection may be a safe and effective treatment for cystic hygroma, with minimal risk of complications during the procedure.
Assuntos
Linfangioma Cístico , Humanos , Linfangioma Cístico/cirurgia , Linfangioma Cístico/diagnóstico , Linfangioma Cístico/diagnóstico por imagem , Masculino , Adulto Jovem , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/cirurgia , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/diagnóstico , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/diagnóstico por imagem , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/patologia , Pescoço/diagnóstico por imagem , Pescoço/cirurgia , Pescoço/patologia , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
Thymoma is a rare malignancy with usual location in the antero-superior mediastinum. Ectopic cervical thymoma (ECT) is an extremely rare tumor that originates from ectopic tissue, and is caused by the aberrant migration of the embryonic thymus. Our patient was a 56-year-old man who had a nodular lesion in the neck for several years. Computed tomography and Enhanced magnetic resonance imaging were performed. He underwent surgery, and a histological examination resulted in a diagnosis of type AB thymoma.
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Coristoma , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Timoma , Neoplasias do Timo , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Timoma/cirurgia , Timoma/diagnóstico , Timoma/diagnóstico por imagem , Timoma/patologia , Neoplasias do Timo/cirurgia , Neoplasias do Timo/diagnóstico , Neoplasias do Timo/diagnóstico por imagem , Neoplasias do Timo/patologia , Coristoma/cirurgia , Coristoma/diagnóstico , Coristoma/patologia , Coristoma/diagnóstico por imagem , Pescoço/diagnóstico por imagem , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/cirurgia , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/diagnóstico , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/patologia , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/diagnóstico por imagemRESUMO
Background and objectives: Paragangliomas of the head and neck are rare, slow-growing neuroendocrine tumors, benign in their vast majority, but with a possibility of developing distant metastases. They show great inheritable character, and their behavior has proven to be unpredictable; therefore, they are considered malignant. Material and methods: This article aims to offer a more comprehensive presentation of the pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnostic methods, imaging development, and treatment guidelines. We tried to bring together all the necessary data that, in our opinion, a head and neck practitioner should know when managing this type of tumor. Our main focus is on the most recent studies, with the purpose of a homogenous presentation of all current guidelines and approaches to this pathology. Results: Paragangliomas of the head and neck are still a disputed topic. One of the main reasons for that is their low incidence of 0.3 to 1 per 100,000 every year. The most frequent locations are the carotid body, the temporal bone, the jugular and mastoid foramen, and the vagal nerve. Their clinical presentation usually involves a painless lateral mass associated with symptoms such as hoarseness, hearing loss, tinnitus, and cranial nerve deficits. Up to 40% of them are inherited, mostly linked with mutations of succinate dehydrogenase complex. Imaging evaluation consists of CT and MRI, and new functional explorations such as 18F-FDA and 18F-FDG PET/CT, 18F-DOPA PET, 123I-MIBG, and 68Ga-DOTATE PET/CT. Measuring the catecholamine levels in the plasma and urine is mandatory, even though paragangliomas of the head and neck rarely display secretory behavior. Treatment mainly consists of surgery, with different approaches and techniques, but conservative management methods such as wait and scan, radiotherapy, proton therapy, and chemotherapy have proven their efficiency. The therapeutical decision lacks consensus, and current studies tend to recommend an individualized approach. Guidelines regarding long-term follow-up are still a matter of debate.