Cytodiagnosis of Paraganglioma: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Paragangliomas (Carotid body tumors, CBT) are rare tumors. They arise close to or envelop the bifurcation of the common carotid artery. These tumors pose challenge to the surgeon because of the large vascularization of the tumor, involvement of the carotid vessels and the close anatomical relationship with the cranial nerves. We describe the fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and histopathological findings of paraganglioma. A discussion of this case is followed by a review of the literature surrounding this rare clinical and pathological entity.

This patient is 55 yrs. old man who presented with swelling on right side of the neck in the O.P.D. of Sharda Hospital Greater Noida. The patient was referred to Pathology department for FNAC and was diagnosed as paraganglioma. Later on mass was excised and the cytological diagnosis of paraganglioma was confirmed on histopathology examination.

FNAC done meticulously and careful cytological examination rendering a preoperative cytodiagnosis of paraganglioma will avoid delay in surgical management of the case.