Carotid body tumors, also known as carotid body paragangliomas, are rare neoplasms that develop from the paraganglia cells in the carotid body, a small organ located at the bifurcation of the carotid arteries in the neck. These tumors arise from the chemoreceptor cells, which are responsible for detecting changes in oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
Carotid body tumors are mostly benign, slow-growing, and solitary, but they can become locally invasive or malignant in rare cases. They usually present as painless, palpable masses in the neck. Symptoms may develop when the tumor reaches a significant size or compress nearby structures, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or a pulsatile mass. In some instances, carotid body tumors can cause alterations in blood flow through the carotid arteries, resulting in neurological symptoms such as dizziness, syncope, or visual disturbances.
The exact cause of carotid body tumors is unknown, although genetic factors may play a role. These tumors are more commonly observed in individuals with a family history of similar conditions. Diagnosis of carotid body tumors is typically achieved through imaging techniques like ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI, which help visualize the tumor's location, size, and proximity to vital structures.
The primary treatment for carotid body tumors is surgical removal. Due to the tumors' intricate relationship with essential neck structures, it requires careful consideration and often collaboration between vascular surgeons and head and neck surgeons. In some cases, preoperative embolization is performed to reduce blood loss during surgery. Regular follow-up is necessary after treatment to monitor for possible recurrence.
