Surgical treatment of carotid body tumors

In this study, we report our clinical experience in a series of patients with carotid body tumors along with diagnosis, treatment and follow-up procedures in the light of related literature data.

Between November 2001 and May 2012, 10 patients (5 males, 5 females; mean age 53.2 years; range 27 to 80 years) who underwent surgery due to a carotid body tumor in our clinic were included. Diagnosis was based on ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance angiography, selective carotid angiography, balloon occlusion test, biochemical tests and preoperative embolization. Complications were also recorded.

Balloon occlusion test was performed in all patients preoperatively, while embolization was implemented in seven patients. All masses were dissected by carotid artery subadventitial approach. Carotid integrity was maintained in nine patients, while a vein graft was used in one patient. Neurological disorder was observed in one patient, whereas transient hypoglossal paresis was in one patient who underwent saphenous vein grafting.

Our study results suggest that (i) carotid body tumors should be handled with multidisciplinary approach; (ii) balloon occlusion test should be performed in all patients undergoing surgery; (iii) a particular attention should be paid to cranial and phrenic nerves, if it is necessary to extend the surgical field while removing the tumor; and (iv) pathological examination should be carried out by an experienced team and in a multi-centered fashion, if necessary.