Carotid Paraganglioma - Classical Surgical Technique

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Head and Neck Surgery

Background:

• Carotid body tumors are rare, typically benign neoplasms affecting individuals in their 40s and 50s.
• These tumors present as pulsatile, painless cervical masses, potentially causing symptoms like pain, dysphagia, and hoarseness.
• Surgical resection is the primary treatment due to risks of malignant transformation, invasion, and metastasis.

Observation:

• A 69-year-old asymptomatic male was diagnosed with a 36mm carotid body tumor via ultrasound.
• CT and MRI confirmed a well-defined, contrast-enhancing lesion in the carotid bulb, classified as Shamblin's II.
• The patient had no pre-operative interventions.

Findings:

• Complete surgical resection of the carotid body tumor was performed successfully.
• The procedure involved proximal dissection with assistance from a nose and ear surgeon.
• The patient experienced no post-surgery complications, aside from a wound infection at week 3, and no nerve damage.

Implications:

• This case highlights the continued efficacy of classic surgical resection for carotid body tumors.
• Well-planned surgical approaches remain a valuable option in the management of these rare neoplasms.
• Long-term follow-up confirmed no recurrence or complications, underscoring the success of the surgical intervention.