[Diagnosis and therapy of carotid body tumors].

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the experience in diagnosis and therapy of carotid body tumor.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of 46 patients with carotid body tumors diagnosed and treated between February 1968 and March 2001.

RESULTS

Fine-needle aspiration was performed in 2 cases with the the aspirate consisted of blood cells to undergo cytological examination. Blood pool imaging was performed in 12 cases, among which 10 cases (83%) were considered as carotid body tumor. Digital subtraction angiography was performed in 5 cases, all of which were correctly diagnosed. Fifteen cases underwent ultrasound examination, 14 of which (93%) were considered as carotid body tumor. Seven cases underwent computed tomography, among which 5 cases (71%) were considered as carotid body tumor. Four cases underwent magnetic resonance imaging, all of which were correctly diagnosed and 2 of which underwent magnetic resonance angiography. All 46 cases accepted surgical operation, five of them accepted radiotherapy too. The tumors didn't recur during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasonography is sufficient for the diagnosis of carotid body tumors. MRI/MRA help to draw out reasonable treatment fashion. Surgery is the first choice among treatments for carotid body tumors. Radiotherapy helps control effectively the aggression of tumors. Intraoperative meticulous dissection may decrease the incidence of postoperative complications.