Individualized treatment of bilateral carotid body tumor

Objective To investigate individualized therapeutic strategy for bilateral carotid body tumors. Methods Clinical data of 16 patients with bilateral carotid body tumor treated from January 2003 to August 2016 were retrospectively studied. Of the 16 patients, 9 were males and 7 were females; 5 were sporadic and 11 were familial; 8 cases were observed, 1 cases was malignant and treated with chemotherapy, and 7 cases were treated with surgery. The treatment course, perioperative complications and clinical efficacy were assessed. Comprehensive evaluation of bilateral carotid body tumors was performed based on the size of bilateral tumor, clinical manifestations, genetic tests and other indicators. Individual treatment strategies included observation, surgery and observation, bilateral surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Surgical resection of carotid body tumor was unilateral in 3 cases and bilateral in 3 cases; removal of bilateral carotid body tumors plus unilateral jugular bulb in 1 case; and the internal carotid artery was reconstructed with autologous greater saphenous vein in 1 case. Results All patients were followed up for 3 months to 12 years. There was no patient death during perioperative period. Superior laryngeal nerve injury occurred in 2 case. Baroreceptor failure syndrome occurred in one patient, but it gradually recoverd with medical treatments. Conlusion It is important to identify whether bilateral carotid body tumors are hereditary and to make an individualized therapeutic strategy for each patient with bilateral carotid body tumors, focusing on the improvement in the quality of life of patient. Key words: Carotid body tumor; Surgical procedures, operative; Postoperative complications; Individualized medicine