title: Head and neck paragangliomas: physiology and biochemistry.
abstract: Paragangliomas of the head and neck are derivatives of neural crest cells, comprising part of the diffuse neuroendocrine system. Indeed, paragangliomas encompass a unique subset of tumors of the head and neck. Their biochemistry and physiology are similar to other neuroendocrine tumors unlike tumors based on location. This article discusses their distinct biologic attributes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA.
authors.forename: T V
authors.initials: TV
authors.lastname: McCaffrey
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Myssiorek
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Marrinan
mesh_terms: D001669:Biochemical Phenomena; D001671:Biochemistry; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000502:physiology*; D010235:Paraganglioma / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology*