Do carotid body tumors need to be removed?

Do carotid body tumors need to be removed?

Carotid body tumors are not usually cancerous. But, they can grow quickly and become large. Because of this, the best treatment is often surgery to remove the tumor. In rare cases, radiation therapy is used.

How rare is carotid body tumor?

The carotid body tumors were first described by von Haller in 1743. The incidence of carotid body tumors (CBTs) is less than 1 in 30000. CBTs represent more than half of neck paragangliomas (PGLs), yet still a very rare cause of neck lumps. Like other paragangliomas, CBTs originate from the neural crest.

How do you diagnose a carotid body tumor?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are excellent tools for diagnosing a carotid body tumor, as they can produce detailed images of the blood vessels as well as the tumor itself. Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) scans are the best tools for diagnosing a carotid body tumor.

Are carotid body tumors malignant?

Abstract. Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare neoplasms of the carotid body. Most CBTs are benign; however, some can show malignant behavior. Malignant CBTs have an unpredictable history; often, there is no correlation between the histologic findings and the clinical behavior.

What is carotid paraganglioma?

Carotid body paraganglioma (CBP) is a type neuroendocrine tumour arising from paraganglial chief cells of carotid body. Situated at the bifurcation of the common carotid artery, it constitutes 0.5% of all body tumours.

What is a carotid paraganglioma?

Which endocrine findings are characteristic of carotid body paraganglioma (CBP)?

First, because a carotid body paraganglioma is a neuroendocrine tumor, release of catecholamines or association with a pheochromocytoma should be suspected. Endocrine evaluation will determine if preoperative α-blockade is needed to prevent intraoperative hypertensive crises.

What is the difference between vagal paraganglioma and carotid body tumors?

However, in contrast to carotid body tumors, vagal paragangliomas rarely fill the crotch of the carotid bifurcation [ 29 ].

What are the physical findings characteristic of vagal paraganglioma?

On physical examination, the vagal paraganglioma usually presents as an asymptomatic lateral neck mass located behind the angle of the mandible. Symptoms of vagal nerve dysfunction such as dysphagia, hoarseness, or vocal cord paralysis appear late in the course of the disease.

What is the function of the aorticopulmonary paraganglia and carotid body?

Carotid body and aorticopulmonary paraganglia have been shown to have a chemoreceptor role in reflex changes in respiratory and cardiovascular function in response to alterations in the composition of arterial blood [ 19 ].