title: Surgical treatment of carotid body tumors.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In this study, we report our clinical experience in a series of patients with carotid body tumors along with diagnosis, treatment and follow-up procedures in the light of related literature data.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between November 2001 and May 2012, 10 patients (5 males, 5 females; mean age 53.2 years; range 27 to 80 years) who underwent surgery due to a carotid body tumor in our clinic were included. Diagnosis was based on ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance angiography, selective carotid angiography, balloon occlusion test, biochemical tests and preoperative embolization. Complications were also recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Balloon occlusion test was performed in all patients preoperatively, while embolization was implemented in seven patients. All masses were dissected by carotid artery subadventitial approach. Carotid integrity was maintained in nine patients, while a vein graft was used in one patient. Neurological disorder was observed in one patient, whereas transient hypoglossal paresis was in one patient who underwent saphenous vein grafting.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our study results suggest that (i) carotid body tumors should be handled with multidisciplinary approach; (ii) balloon occlusion test should be performed in all patients undergoing surgery; (iii) a particular attention should be paid to cranial and phrenic nerves, if it is necessary to extend the surgical field while removing the tumor; and (iv) pathological examination should be carried out by an experienced team and in a multi-centered fashion, if necessary.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Medical Faculty of Başkent University, 06490 Bahçelievler, Ankara, Turkey. famd66@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Fatih
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Arslan
authors.forename: Serkan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yılmaz
authors.forename: Fulya
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Özer
authors.forename: Cağatay
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Andıç
authors.forename: Tuba
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Canpolat
authors.forename: Haluk
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yavuz
authors.forename: İsmail
authors.initials: İ
authors.lastname: Yılmaz
authors.forename: Levent Naci
authors.initials: LN
authors.lastname: Özlüoğlu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002345:Carotid Body Tumor / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome