Carotid Body Tumor

Carotid Body Tumor

Carotid body tumors develop in the upper region of the neck where the carotid artery bifurcate. These tumors can also be called chemodectoma or paraganglioma.

Carotid body tumors often show up as a slow-growing asymptomatic touchable mass on the anterior aspect of the neck. Symptoms will appear, such as pain, tongue paresis, Horner Syndrome, hoarseness, and dysphagia as the tumor grows and constricts the carotid artery and the encompassing nerves.

Usually removal of a carotid body tumor is proposed and occasionally radiation therapy is used in conjunction with surgery. Embolization is done to lower or cease the blood supply to the tumor and then a resection is performed on the carotid artery.

Treatment for carotid body tumors is typically very safe, and the end result is extremely good. However, there is always risk with any surgical procedure.

A very rare complication of the resection of carotid tumors is stroke. Carotid body tumors with nerves connected will need accompanying resection of the vagus nerve which might result in the dysfunction of the nerve. Facial nerves and hypoglossal nerves can also be involved depending on the size of the tumor. Less than 5 percent of patients progress to metastasis.