Paragangliomas classified according to their origin and location

Paragangliomas have their origin in cells derived from the embryological neuroectoderm. There are four types of paragangliomas^[1,2]:

Branchiomeric group: In the region of the embryological branchiomeres (jugulotympanic ganglion, carotid body, laryngeal ganglia, subclavian ganglion, aorticopulmonary ganglion). There is a close relationship with blood vessels.
Intravagal group: In the region of the parasympathetic nerves (jugular ganglion, nodose ganglion). They have their origin within the perineurium.
Aortosympathetic group: In the region of the sympathetic nerves of the aorta.
Visceral autonomic group: in the nervous system of the heart, digestive tract, liver hilus, and bladder.

References:

Kleinsasser O. Das Glomus laryngicum inferior. Ein bisher unbekanntes, nichtchromaffines Paraganglion vom Bau der sog. Carotisdrüse im menschlichen Kehlkopf. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology 1964; 184:214.
Glenner GG, Grimley PM. Tumors of the Extra-Adrenal Paraganglion System. Bethesda, MD: Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, 1974.

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