Carotid Body Tumor

Carotid body tumor is a relatively rare paraganglioma that arises from the carotid body. Preoperative evaluation is extremely important because this tumor adheres tightly to the carotid artery wall. A 57-year-old woman had an asymptomatic, slow-growing mass in the left neck. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a tumor at the carotid bifurcation causing displacement of the external and internal carotid arteries. Preoperative Matas test was carried out. Angiography did not show any major feeding artery, therefore embolization was not performed. Intraoperative findings did not detect any infiltration of the carotid arteries and the tumor was removed without clamping or injuring the carotid artery. Postoperatively, temporary paralysis of the glossopharyngeal nerve occurred. The patient was followed-up for 6 years postoperatively. There were no signs of local recurrence.