Head and Neck Paragangliomas: Evidence-based Management and What Genetics Can Tell Us

Saturday, October 17, 2026

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM PT

Location: 515A

Moderator(s)

Kevin J. Contrera, MD, MPH

Assistant Professor
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA, United States

Panelist(s)

Kyle M. Hatten, MD

Associate Professor
University of Maryland School of Medicine
Baltimore, MD, United States
AL

Adam J. Luginbuhl, MD

Professor
Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, PA, United States
SR

Sarah L. Rohde, MD MMHC

Associate Professor
Vanderbilt Univiversity
Nashville, Tennessee, United States

Disclosure(s):

Kevin J. Contrera, MD, MPH:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Kyle J. Hatten, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

This panel will begin with a brief review of head and neck paragangliomas as well as an updated overview of diagnosis, hereditary disease, and a cost-effective model for genetic testing. Next, recent literature will be applied to provide evidence-based guidelines on clinical management, including when and when not to operate. Lastly, we will provide practical lessons from her extensive experience. Each of these topics will be followed by case presentations to apply these concepts to the management of actual patients. This session will be conducted using audience polling software to facilitate engagement and discussion among the panelists while highlighting fundamental principles and guidelines.

Learning Objectives:

Compose a comprehensive initial workup for a patient presenting with a newly diagnosed head and neck paraganglioma.
Describe the treatment options based on up-to-date literature and endocrine society guidelines with knowledge of the gaps in modern knowledge.
Provide evidence-based, individualized recommendations for patient surveillance and long-term management.