Background: Carotid body tumor (CBT) is a rare paraganglionic hyper-vascular tumor of the carotid body. The standard treatment for CBTs is surgery, but it involves risk. The study is aimed to assess the CBTs and evaluate the outcome of multidisciplinary management.

Materials and methods: A retrospective cohort study included patients with CBTs who were managed by surgical excision between May 2006 and April 2018. A multidisciplinary team was established to excise the tumor completely with minimal neurovascular compromise.

Results: The study comprised of 32 patients in the age group of 23-65 years. The main presentation was a unilateral painless neck mass. Six cases (18.75%) were Shamblin I, 10 (31.25%) Shamblin II and 16 (50%) Shamblin III. Complete excision was performed for all cases. Ligation of the external carotid artery was done in 15 cases (46.88%) and repair of the internal carotid artery in 6 (18.75%). Postoperative cranial nerve complications occurred in six patients (18.75%): four transient hypoglossal pareses and two hoarseness of voice. Histopathologically, one case (3.125%) was malignant. No recurrence was detected through the follow-up period.

Conclusion: A multidisciplinary approach is essential for management of CBTs. Early diagnosis and surgical resection minimize morbidity and carry good surgical outcome.

Trial registration number: ChiCTR1800018722 (Agency: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry).

Keywords: Carotid body tumors; Excision; Ligation of external carotid artery; Shamblin classification.

© The Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of India 2018.