RADIATION-THERAPY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PARAGANGLIOMAS OF THE TEMPORALBONE

The use of radiation therapy for the treatment of paragangliomas of th e temporal bone remains controversial. Few studies exist that provide sufficient information on staging and long-term follow-up to clarify t his issue. A retrospective study was undertaken of 38 patients with te mporal bone paragangliomas treated with radiation therapy between 1956 and 1991. All patients received radiation therapy, either as a primar y modality (14 patients), in combination treatment with surgery (13 pa tients), or as salvage therapy (11 patients). Mean disease stage (Fisc h classification system) for each group was C2, B, and C1, respectivel y. The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 27 years (median 11.5 yr). Lo cal control was achieved in 79% of the primary radiation therapy group , 100% of the combined treatment group, and 91% of the salvage therapy group. Complications resulting from radiation therapy were few and mi nor. This study demonstrates that the use of radiation therapy for tem poral bone paragangliomas offers effective local control as a primary treatment modality, in combination with surgery, and as salvage therap y with few long-term complications.