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