Management of carotid body tumors: a retrospective multicenter study and case series

Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are clinically important in head and neck surgery. In this multicenter retrospective study, we aimed to examine the characteristics, diagnosis, and management of patients diagnosed with CBTs at three institutions.

Patient demographics, clinical symptoms, investigative modalities, therapeutic interventions, pathological findings, and clinical outcomes were assessed. Overall, 12 patients, with a median age of 51.5 years, were evaluated.

The most common symptom was a painless neck mass (83.3%). Tumors were located on the right side in eight patients (66.6%). No bilateral cases were recorded. One patient had a synchronous small glomus vagale tumor. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography was used as the primary imaging modality in 11 patients. Multiple imaging modalities were used in 66.6% of patients. The median tumor size was 4.6 cm. Of these, 33.3% were Shamblin Class I, 50% Class II, and 16.6% Class III. Seven patients underwent surgery, whereas five opted for non-surgical treatment. Complications, including hoarseness and dysphagia, occurred in three patients. Preoperative embolization was performed in two patients. All operated cases were histopathologically confirmed to be paragangliomas.

Our results revealed that, although CBTs are rare and challenging to treat, positive outcomes are possible with careful planning and precise surgery. Active surveillance may be a suitable initial approach in selected patients. Future studies should focus on creating individualized risk plans to guide treatment decisions and follow-ups.