H&N Paragangliomas: Evidence-Based Management and What Genetics Can Tell Us

Monday, October 13, 2025

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM EDT

Location: 128

Disclosure(s):

Kevin J. Contrera, MD, MPH:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Kyle M. Hatten, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Adam J. Luginbuhl, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Head and neck paragangliomas can be a clinical challenge to providers identifying these rare neural crest-derived tumors. They present with unique clinical exam findings, radiologic characteristics, and histopathologic features. Therefore, providers should approach management, including surgery, radiation, and observation, with up-to-date knowledge of the literature, particularly as it pertains to hereditary paragangliomas. Recent studies have changed the way we should treat patients. There is a greater emphasis on watchful waiting and new data on when, where, and how patients should be serially imaged. This information is critical to providing long-term evidence-based management, including monitoring for recurrence, progression, or second primary paragangliomas.

This panel will begin with a brief review of head and neck paragangliomas as well as an updated overview of diagnosis, hereditary disease, and a cost-effective model for genetic testing. Next, recent literature will be applied to provide evidence-based guidelines on clinical management, including when and when not to operate. Lastly, Dr. Netterville will provide practical lessons from his several decades of experience. Each of these topics will be followed by case presentations to apply these concepts to the management of actual patients. This session will be conducted using audience polling software to facilitate engagement and discussion among the panelists while highlighting fundamental principles and guidelines.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Compose a comprehensive initial workup for a patient presenting with a newly diagnosed head and neck paraganglioma.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Describe the treatment options based on up-to-date literature and endocrine society guidelines with knowledge of the gaps in modern knowledge.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Provide evidence-based, individualized recommendations for patient surveillance and long-term management.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: The hereditary and benign nature of paragangliomas is in stark contrast with most malignancies of the head and neck—the management should be as well. Further, there are numerous updates on the impact of genetics on treatment and surveillance that are not familiar to most practicing surgeons.

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement :

Moderator(s)

Kevin J. Contrera, MD, MPH

Assistant Professor
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Panelist(s)

Kyle M. Hatten, MD

Associate Professor
University of Maryland Medical Center
Baltimore, MD, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
AL

Adam J. Luginbuhl, MD

Professor
Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, PA, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
James L. Netterville, MD

Professor
Vanderbilt Univ Med Ctr
Nashville, TN, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.