Studies on the tumor biology and growth rate in jugulotympanic and carotid glomus tumors.

Background: Paragangliomas (glomus tumors) of the head and neck are rare tumors, arising from the paragangliomatous tissue either of the carotid region or the jugular or the tympanic region. This study was conducted to investigate the possible differences in the tumor biology of these lesions depending on their site of origin. Methods: Nineteen specimens (10 jugulotympanic and 9 carotid glomus tumors) were investigated by quantitative DNA measurements and immunohistochemical assessment of proliferation markers (PCNA, Ki67), oncogenes (p53,nm23), different cell surface antigenes (CD44 4/5 and 6, CD54, CD106), and bcl 2 as a marker for apoptosis. Results: Depending on the location of the tumors these measurements revealed significant differences in tumor biology with higher proliferation scores and a higher number of aneuploid tumors in those of the carotid region, suggesting a more aggressive behavior compared to those of the jugulotympanic region. Conclusions: The results also indicate a difference between the two groups in the risk of developing metastases or recurrent disease. They generally help to enhance our understanding of the biology of paragangliomas of the head and neck..