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Carotid body tumor
M D Williams1, M J Phillips, W R Nelson
1Departments of Surgery, Saint Joseph Hospital, Denver, Colo.
Archives of Surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|August 1, 1992
Summary
Surgical management of carotid body tumors, including malignant cases, involves aggressive resection and radiotherapy. This approach offers prolonged survival for patients with these rare neck masses.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Vascular Surgery
- Head and Neck Surgery
Background:
- Carotid body tumors are rare neoplasms arising from the carotid bodies.
- Understanding their behavior and optimal management is crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review a 34-year surgical experience with carotid body tumors.
- To define the management and behavior of these tumors, including malignant presentations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 33 carotid body tumors in 30 patients over 34 years.
- Analysis of patient demographics, presentation, diagnostic methods (arteriography), surgical outcomes, and adjuvant therapy.
Main Results:
- Most patients (30/33) presented with a neck mass.
- Arteriography was diagnostic in all 21 patients evaluated.
- No surgical mortality was observed; 27% complication rate with one long-term neurologic deficit.
- Three tumors were malignant; aggressive resection and radiotherapy led to prolonged survival.
Conclusions:
- Carotid body tumors typically present as neck masses.
- Arteriography is a reliable diagnostic tool.
- Surgical intervention is indicated, and aggressive multimodal treatment (surgery and radiotherapy) is recommended for malignant tumors and metastases to improve survival.