Paraganglioma Glossary
Angiogram
Description
a special test that is performed by an experienced radiologist where a plastic tube or catheter is inserted into one of the blood vessels in the groin and is then advanced to the blood vessels in the neck. Using this test, multiple tumors can be identified and arterial blood vessels feeding the tumor can be clotted off.
Chorda tympani nerve
Description
a nerve which transmits taste information from the front two-thirds of the tongue back to the brain. The nerve travels through the middle ear close to the ossicles.
CT scan
Description
a computerized tomography scan or special X-ray which allows more detailed views of bony structures and soft tissue
Embolization
Description
a procedure done during angiography which involves blocking the blood vessels supplying blood to the tumor
Internal Jugular Vein
Description
a vein that collects blood from the brain and empties eventually into the heart
Jugular bulb
Description
a venous cavity which receives blood from the sigmoid sinus and empties into the internal jugular vein
Paraganglia
Description
cells located around the middle ear, jugular bulb, or carotid artery in the neck which are thought to detect oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the bloodstream
Semicircular canals
Description
part of the inner ear involved in gathering information on head motion
About Dr. Prasad
Dr. Sanjay Prasad MD FACS is a board certified physician and surgeon with over twenty years of sub-specialty experience in Otology, Neurotology, advanced head and neck oncologic surgery, and cranial base surgery. He is chief surgeon and founder of the private practice, Metropolitan NeuroEar Group, located in the metropolitan Washington D.C. area.