Diagnosis and surgical treatment of carotid body tumor: A report of 18 cases

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the experience in the diagnosis and treatment of carotid body tumor (CBT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: CBT in 18 cases was confirmed by digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Resection of the tumor under the carotid adventitial plane was performed in 10 cases, the tumor with the external carotid artery in five cases, and the tumor with the internal and external arteries at the same time in three cases. RESULTS: Neither death nor any major complications occurred in all the 18 cases. Our follow-up of the 18 patients revealed neither recurrence nor metastasis. CONCLUSION: DSA is the gold standard for the diagnosis of CBT. After confirmation, thorough preoperative examination, sufficient preoperative preparation, and correct surgical approaches can result in satisfactory surgical effects.