Carotid body tumor: a 25-year experience

Carotid body tumor is an uncommon hypervascular benign tumor in the head and neck region. It usually presents as a slow growing mass at the carotid bifurcation. Because of the high rate of neurovascular complications, resection of this tumor is considered challenging for otolaryngologists. Between 1988 and 2013, 40 carotid body tumors from 38 patients were diagnosed and underwent resection at Siriraj Hospital (25 female and 13 male patients). Their age ranged from 15 to 59 years. Seven patients had bilateral tumors simultaneously whereas six cases had familial history of carotid body tumor. Carotid angiography was performed in 29 cases; other additional diagnostic studies included CT scan, MRI, and MRA to detect the widening of carotid bifurcation, its extension, and multifocal tumors. All diagnosed tumors were successfully removed. However, internal carotid artery and carotid bifurcation were injured in 11 cases (27.5 %). Shamblin class III and previous biopsy history were considered risk factors for vascular injury. Postoperative cranial nerves deficit was found in 20 % of the cases and CNS complication occurred in two patients (5 %). There was no surgical mortality. Additionally, upon the mean follow-up period of 36 months, no recurrence or malignant transformation was detected in this study. Multidisciplinary approach, early tumor detection, meticulous preoperative evaluation, and modern vascular surgical technique are the key success factors for tumor removal.