Carotid Body Tumors (Paragangliomas)

Abstract

Carotid body tumors were diagnosed in 19 patients (13 females and 6 males) between 1977 and 2000. All but one were operated upon. The ages of the 18 surgically treated patients ranged from 17 to 65 years. Carotid body tumor was confirmed in 16 cases; the diagnosis was neurofibroma in 1 and tuberculosis lymphadenitis in 1. The carotid body tumors were resected without a shunt procedure. Eight patients underwent total resection, 6 had resection and saphenous vein interposition, 1 had partial resection, and 1 had carotid artery ligation with no resultant neurological deficit. One case of hypoglossal paralysis and one benign ipsilateral recurrence were detected. Contralateral recurrence was detected in 1 patient 4 years postoperatively. No mortality or malignant course was observed.