Abstract

Aim: Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare, highly vascular paragangliomas that pose surgical challenges because of their close relationship with major vascular structures. This study evaluated the clinical presentation, surgical management, and postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing CBT surgery at our institution.
Material and Methods: This retrospective observational study included 12 patients with CBT (9 females, 3 males; mean age 67.08±8.97 years) who underwent surgery between 2018 and 2023. Demographic data, symptoms, diagnostic delay, imaging findings, tumor size, Shamblin classification, surgical procedures, postoperative complications, pathological findings, and postoperative blood loss measured by surgical drains were evaluated.
Results: The most common symptom was a palpable neck mass (n=11). Mean diagnostic delay was 22.08±15.59 months, and mean tumor diameter was 34.25±8.56 mm. According to the Shamblin classification, 2 patients were Group I, 7 Group II, and 3 Group III, with tumor diameter increasing across groups. Preoperative embolization was performed in three Group III patients and was associated with lower postoperative blood loss (50–80 mL). Internal carotid artery reconstruction was required in ten patients, including saphenous vein patch angioplasty in seven and saphenous vein eversion in three. Transient facial nerve palsy occurred in three patients and resolved. Histopathology confirmed CBT in all cases.
Conclusion: Complete surgical resection remains the cornerstone of CBT treatment. The Shamblin classification is useful for predicting operative complexity and surgical planning. Preoperative embolization may reduce perioperative blood loss in selected patients with large, anatomically complex tumors.

Key words: Carotid body tumor, paraganglioma, Shamblin classification, preoperative embolization, surgical outcomes