Exploring Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Paragangliomas: Insights from a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological parameters, including age and sex distribution, clinical presentation, tumour classification and role of radiation therapy in the management of head and neck Paragangliomas. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of 15 patients treated for head and neck Paragangliomas in the Department of Radiation Oncology Government Medical College, Srinagar between January 2021 and April 2023. Results: The median age of the study participants was 50 years, ranging from 26 to 70. Among the patients, there were 10 females and 5 males, resulting in a sex ratio of 2:1. Tinnitus was the most frequent symptom, observed in 64% of cases, followed by Vertigo (28%), Headache (21%), and hearing loss (21%). 86.7% of Paragangliomas were benign while 13.3% were malignant. All patients (15 patients) underwent radiation therapy, which was used exclusively in 12 (80%) patients and as an additional treatment following surgical resection in 3 (20%) patients. The median radiation dose administered was 50Gy, with a range of 25-54, and it was delivered through Image Guided Radiotherapy (VMAT and IMRT). There were no severe treatment related complications. After a median follow-up period of 18 months, ranging from 6 to 28, all patients achieved local control, defined as radiological stability or regression, and there were no reported deaths. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study demonstrated the effectiveness of radiation therapy in managing a diverse group of patients with varying symptoms. Most patients achieved local control with minimal complications during 18-month follow-up, underscoring the treatment's success. Keywords: Paraganglioma, Head and Neck, Radiotherapy.