Catecholamine-Secreting Paragangliomas at the Skull Base

Abstract

Paragangliomas (glomus tumors) comprise 15% of all neoplasms at the skull base. Despite extensive growth, these tumors usually do not secrete active biogenic substances into the circulation in sufficient quantities to produce symptoms. When they do secrete large amounts of catecholamines, they will cause symptoms that mimic a pheochromocytoma. The still confusing nomenclature of paragangliomas is reviewed, and the clinical work-up, surgical treatment, and follow-up of five patients with catecholamine-secreting paragangliomas of temporal bone (3), infratemporal fossa (1), and nasopharynx (1) are presented and discussed.