Abstract

Background and aims:

Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare, hypervascular neoplasms and are usually located at the carotid artery bifurcation. However, surgery' is the gold standard for curative treatment of CBTs it carries a high risk of mortality and morbidity. The aim of this study was to find out

the pattern of presentation of CBTs in our locality and to evaluate the outcome of their

surgical treatment.

 

Materials and methods:

A retrospective group of patients that presented with CBTs and subjected to surgical resection

in the period from May 2006 to April 2011 were included in this study. All cases were

evaluated clinically, radiologically before surgical treatment and diagnosis Confirmed with

postoperative histopathology'. Surgical outcome was recorded.

Results:

A total of 16 patients were presented in the study period and only 12 of them were subjected

to surgical excision and they were 7 women and 5 men and their age ranged from 33 to 65

years (mean 46±13). Sex patients with Shamblin group I and Il, subadventitial tumor excision

was performed after ligation of the feeding vessels of the tumor and 3 of them were in need

for ligation Of the external carotid artery (ECA) and primary vascular repair of the internal

carotid artery (ICA) was needed in another patient. The remaining 6 patients with Shamblin

group Ill, ECA ligation was done in 5 patients, primary vascular repair of the ICA was needed

in 3 patients and ICA reconstruction by saphenous vein graft in one patient. Postoperative

hemiparesis occurred in 2 patients with Shamblin Ill, one of them improved in 3 months after

surgery. Postoperative cranial nerve deficits occurred in 3 patients (2 cases with Shamblin Ill

and one case with Shamblin Il), 2 of them with transient hypoglossal paresis and the

remaining one developed hoarseness of voice due to permanent vocal cord paralysis. There

was no recurrences in the follow up period.

Conclusions:

Patients with CBTs in our locality are usually presented with an advanced stage. Early

diagnosis and surgical resection of these tumors will minimize the morbidity and carry good

surgical outcome. A team approach including head and neck and vascular surgeons are

essential to achieve good surgical results