Carotid body tumor: a 25-year experience

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Vascular Surgery
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Carotid body tumors are uncommon, hypervascular, benign neoplasms.
• They typically present as slow-growing masses at the carotid bifurcation.
• Resection poses significant challenges due to potential neurovascular complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the surgical outcomes and complications of carotid body tumor resection.
• To identify risk factors associated with vascular injury during surgery.
• To emphasize key factors for successful tumor removal.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 40 carotid body tumors from 38 patients (1988-2013).
• Surgical resection performed at Siriraj Hospital.
• Diagnostic studies included carotid angiography, CT, MRI, and MRA.
• Analysis of complications, risk factors (Shamblin class, biopsy history), and follow-up data.

Main Results:

• All 40 tumors were successfully removed.
• Vascular injury occurred in 27.5% of cases; Shamblin class III and prior biopsy were risk factors.
• Postoperative deficits included cranial nerve deficits (20%) and CNS complications (5%).
• No surgical mortality was observed, with no recurrence or malignant transformation at 36-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Surgical resection of carotid body tumors can be successful with acceptable complication rates.
• Meticulous preoperative evaluation and modern surgical techniques are crucial.
• A multidisciplinary approach is essential for optimal patient outcomes.