[Retrospective analysis of the diagnosis and surgical treatment of carotid body tumor].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the diagnostic methods and the surgical treatment in carotid body tumor (CBT).

METHOD: In retrospect of clinical data in 11 cases with CBT including CT, digital subtraction angiography (DSA), operation and its curative effect, the clinical experience in diagnosis and surgical treatment of CBT was summarized.

RESULT: All 11 cases were classified as Shamblin I and II type. The cervical CT scan showed a tumorous lesion in the carotid bifurcation. DSA revealed definitely a solid vascular mass and its relation with the surrounding arteries. Preoperatively high selected embolization of the tumor- feeding artery could effectively reduce the intraoperative bleeding. All cases of CBT were resected without any carotid artery ligation. With 1-5 years follow-up, none of the CBT recurred in this 11 cases.

CONCLUSION

CBT should be considered in patients with mass in the neck. The utilization of DSA could facilitate the diagnosis and the treatment of the CBT. Operation in the early stage of CBT could reduce the possibility of the injury of the arteries and the nerves.