Malignant paraganglioma

Summary An unusual case of malignant paraganglioma that manifested itself as pain in the temporomandibular joint and trismus and later manifested itself as a rapidly growing neck mass is described. Computed tomography revealed a huge mass with upward and downward extension in the infratemporal fossa. Radiotheraphy was completely ineffective. At autopsy, a malignant paraganglioma with multiple metastases was found, but the site of origin could not be determined because of the size and extent. One hundred and ninety-one cases of paraganglioma of the head and neck published in the Japanese literature were analyzed with regard to their site, clinical, radiographic and microscopic features as well as treatment and results.