Superior and Inferior Extension of Carotid Body Tumors

Carotid body tumors typically arise at the level of the common carotid bifurcation where the carotid body exists. Superior and inferior extension beyond the carotid body may occur as well, especially if the tumor is long-standing. We herein describe a case of carotid body tumor in a patient who presented with a right-sided neck mass for 30 years. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) and B-mode sonography with color-coded Doppler sonography showed a vascular tumor arising at the level of the right common carotid artery bifurcation with superior and inferior extension beyond the bifurcation. This report emphasizes the utility of computed tomography angiography (CTA) and B-mode sonography with color-coded Doppler sonography as non-invasive modalities in visualizing the extension of carotid body tumors.