Surgical Excision of Carotid Body Tumor at an Early Stage Has Best Outcome: Result of 22 Cases along with Literature Review

Objective: The objective of this study is to share our experience of early surgical excision of highly vascular carotid body tumor (CBT) and to correlate it with current literature. Materials and Methods: Data of all consecutive patients diagnosed with CBT from September 2011 to September 2018, who underwent surgical excision, was analyzed. Results: Of the 22 cases with mean age of 42 +/- standard deviation (SD) 6 years and female to male ratio of 1.2 : 1, 68.1% (n= 15) of the tumors were on the right side. There were 13.6% (n=3) Shamblin I, 77.2% (n= 17) Shamblin II, and 9% (n=2) Shamblin III tumors. Complete excision without vascular reconstruction was achieved in 63.6% (n= 14), while patch plasty with Dacron graft was noted in 29.4% (n=5) and interposition Dacron grafting 13.6% (n=3). Peroperative vascular shunt was deployed in 13.6% (n= 3) of cases. Transient neuropraxia of the hypoglossal nerve was noted in 13.6% (n=3) of cases, while permanent drooping of the lower lip was noted in 4.5% (n= 1). There was no ischemic stroke. The mortality rate was zero, and no recurrence was recorded in mean follow-up of 24 +/- SD 3 months. Conclusion: Complete surgical excision of CBT at an early stage, regardless of size, is associated with the best outcome.