| Definition: |
Generally benign neoplasms of CHIEF cells arising from neuroectodermal tissues, found in various parts of the body. Note that until recently, glomus tumors were believed to be derived from specialised vascular cells, which is incorrect. Paraganglioma is the preferred term.The nomenclature for pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma is inconsistent. The term paraganglioma is used to refer to any extra-adrenal tumor of the paraganglion system or nonfunctional tumor of the paraganglion system. Functional tumors are referred extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma. |