[Multiple and familial paragangliomas of the head and neck--review of literature and report of two cases].

Paragangliomas are rare, mostly benign tumors, orginating from the paraganglionic tissue associated with sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. In the head and neck they develop mainly in the carotid bifurcation (paraganglioma caroticum), but also in tympanic cavity (paraganglioma tympanicum), jugular bulb (paraganglioma jugulare), vagal nerve (paraganglioma vagale) and very seldom in the other areas. These tumors are mostly sporadic (90%), but they can be also familial (10%). In some patients, mainly in the familial form multiple paragangliomas can develop. We describe two cases of paragangliomas--one familial and one multiple. The genetic background and recommendations for diagnosis and therapy in such cases are discussed. mas of the head and neck, familial paragangliomas of the head and neck, succinate dehydrogenase