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A case of paraganglioma of the hypoglossal nerve

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 April 2010

M R B Farr ,
T P C Martin ,
A R Walsh  and
R M Irving
M R B Farr*
Affiliation:
College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
T P C Martin
Affiliation:
Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Medical Centre, Birmingham, UK
A R Walsh
Affiliation:
Department of Neurosurgery, Queen Elizabeth Medical Centre, Birmingham, UK
R M Irving
Affiliation:
Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Medical Centre, Birmingham, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr Matthew Farr, 14 Guild St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6RE, UK. E-mail: matthewrbfarr@googlemail.com
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Abstract

Introduction:

Paragangliomas are rare tumours arising from the paraganglia of the autonomic nervous system.

Case report:

We present a case of a paraganglioma arising from the hypoglossal nerve and producing an unusual clinical picture at presentation.

Discussion:

We supply radiological evidence of a paraganglioma originating from the hypoglossal nerve, and thus extend the evidence base for this rare site of origin. Our patient presented as an emergency with long tract neurological symptoms and progressive brainstem involvement. This presentation is not characteristic of paragangliomas in general, which usually have an indolent growth pattern and often demonstrate benign symptoms for a number of years prior to diagnosis. The location of a hypoglossal paraganglioma differs significantly from more common paragangliomas described in the neck and skull base, and this should inform the surgical approach undertaken.

Keywords

ParagangliomaHypoglossal NerveSurgical Procedures

Information

Type
Online Only Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 124 , Issue 5 , May 2010 , e3
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2010

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