A multidisciplinary approach to carotid body tumors surgical management

Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare and usually require complex surgical resection. We present a case of a large 7-cm CBT successfully treated in a community cancer center using a multidisciplinary team approach. A 32-year-old male referred for surgical evaluation of an asymptomatic right neck mass. CT angiography showed a 7-cm tumor encasing the carotid vessels, including the bifurcation (Shamblin III). Preoperative angiography and embolization were performed by interventional radiology. The patient underwent surgical removal of the CBTs and required surgical reconstruction with a common carotid to internal carotid bypass using a polytetrafluoroethylene interposition graft. The hypoglossal nerve, vagus nerve and glossopharyngeal nerve were identified, meticulously dissected and preserved. The patient did well after surgery and recovered with no complications. This report examines the diagnosis, preoperative workup and surgical management of CBTs using a multidisciplinary team approach.