Paraganglioma of the urinary bladder

Abstract

Paragangliomas are rare tumors, of neuroendocrine origin. These neoplasms are equivalent to extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas and their symptoms attributed to the secretion of catecholamines. When the urinary system is affected, the urinary bladder is implicated in the majority of the cases with the most specific symptom to be the hypertensive crisis during urination. Paragangliomas are considered benign, although in a small proportion of cases they may demonstrate aggressive biologic behavior. No distinct factors exist which distinguish these two groups; therefore, the follow-up of the patients with this rare tumor has to be close and long-term.