[Tumors of the carotid body--diagnostic and therapeutic aspects (author's transl)].

The tumors of the carotid body are rare in frequency but still they give many problems in preoperative diagnosis and operative management. The pathological classification and estimation of dignity is still under discussion. Based on the experience of 5 patients we try to give a comprehensive listing of important facts and a classification for clinical use. In spite of the typical clinical signs which were described by Kocher and Fontaine the carotid body tumor is the most frequently mistaken tumor in the lateral region of the neck. If a tumor of this type is suspected a carotid arteriogram should be regularely performed. The arteriogram is the most important diagnostic procedure, and gives the final diagnosis in most cases. The therapeutic principle is the early total extirpation. In spite of the small rate of malignancy (under 10%) this challenge is based on the frequent observation of local spreading of the tumor. The excision of tumors of even large size is possible under consideration of special operative technics.