Surgical Treatment Of Carotid Body Tumor

PURPOSE:The carotid body tumors are uncommon tumor arise from accumulation of chemoreceptor cells in the neck.By reviewing clinical material in 18 cases of carotid body tumors,we conclude experience of diagnosis and surgical treatment of carotid body tumors in our hospital.MATERIALS AND METHODS:18 patients of carotid body tumor were selected from the second affiliated hospital of Zhejiang University College of medicine from 1983 to 2009.There were 11 male patients and 7 female with an average age of 41.1.Except ordinary examination,ultrasonic,CT and DSA were taken before surgery to evaluate the location,size,blood supplying of the tumors and encephalic blood circle.Every case had Metas for 1-2 weeks before operations.17 of 18 cases took surgical treatment.The surgical approach includes Enucleation,resection along with the external carotid artery,resection along with the internal carotid artery with end to end anastomosis,great saphenous veins grafting and resection with ligation of the carotid artery by stages.RESULTS:the size of tumors are about 2cmx3cmx3cm-5cmx4cmx5cm,all diagnosed pathologically as carotid body tumor,with 16 benign cases and 1 malignant case.One died 4 days after operation after the ligation of carotid artery because of the haemorrhaging in surgery and the nerve injury happened in 4 cases including hypoglossal,vagus and glossopharyngeal.Conclusions:carotid body tumor is an uncommon tumor of neck and head which is easily misdiagnosed..Surgery is the best treatment of carotid body tumor,but it should be cautious to hold the surgical indication and evaluate the risk and benefit of the operation.The common postoperative complication includes cerebral infarction, nerve injury and so on.Earlier diagnose and earlier treatment can reduce the rate of complication.