DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF CAROTID-BODY TUMORS

Carotid body tumors are rare although they must always remain part of the differential diagnosis of a neck mass. Sonography as the screening method of choice followed by angiography determines the diagnosis. In 11 patients 12 carotid body tumors were extirpated. The reconstructio n of the internal carotid artery with an interposition of the greater saphenous vein was necessary in two cases after resection of the tumor . One patient underwent preoperative embolisation because of a huge tu mor. Two postoperative radiotherapies were undertaken because of malig nancy in one case and a partially extirpated tumor in the other. After a 9 year follow-up period all patients are alive. One patient suffers from a persistent palsy of the hypoglossal nerve and another complain s of permanent headache supposedly caused by the reocclusion of the ve nous interposition of the carotid artery. In conclusion, our data supp ort the diagnostic strategies in patients with suspected carotid body tumors. Regarding the exact therapeutic regimen, we suggest the surgic al resection, followed by radiotherapy in cases of confirmed malignanc y or partially resectable lesions.