SDHD-related head and neck paragangliomas & their natural course

Abstract

SDHD-related head and neck paragangliomas are, hereditary

and generally benign, neuroendocrine tumors that arise from paraganglionic

tissue associated with the parasympathetic nervous system. The primary aim of

this thesis was to gain more insight in the natural course of SDHD-related head and neck paragangliomas and ultimately improve surveillance and treatment strategies, as well as counseling of both patients and their family members. The risk of occult and metachronous paragangliomas, tumor growth, clinical progression and survival of SDHD germline mutation carriers were addressed.