['Extraadrenal paragangliomas of the head and neck are tumors with variable clinical behavior. Because tumor growth as well as surgery can cause disabling loss of function, knowledge of the natural history of paragangliomas is important for the development of treatment strategies.', 'The tumor volume, growth rate, and tumor doubling time of 48 paragangliomas at different anatomic locations in the head and neck region were estimated retrospectively using sequential radiologic imaging.', 'During a mean follow-up period of 4.2 years, a volume increase of > 20% was observed in 60% of the paragangliomas. In these cases the median growth rate was 1.0 mm/year and the median tumor doubling time was 4. 2 years. More growing tumors were observed in intermediate size tumors than in very small or large paragangliomas, suggesting a biphasic growth pattern.'] Does estimation of growth rate in patients with head and neck paragangliomas influence the treatment proposal?