Chemodectoma in relation to the aortic arch (aortic body tumour). A clinical report.

Tumours of the aortic body in man are relatively rare and were first described in 1950. Aortic bodies are found in the region of the base of the heart and great vessels, are thought to be of neuroepithelial origin, and have a role in maintenance of circulatory homoeostasis. A clinical report is presented of a benign aortic body tumour which was removed surgically from a 61-year-old woman.