After a brief introduction about carotid body tumor's etiopathogenesis and clinical presentation, four clinical cases observed between January 1996 and December 1998 are described. Three of them have been classified as I and the last as III type according to Shamblin's classification. The diagnostic trial and surgical option needed by each patient are presented. The surgical treatment and the possibility of alternative or complementary techniques such as endovascular embolization and/or irradiation are discussed. The conclusion is drawn that surgical option for carotid body tumor is the best choice. Embolization, some hours before surgical treatment, can be a very useful procedure in order to reduce intraoperative risks and bleeding. Nevertheless surgery of carotid body tumor must be performed by surgical teams experienced in supra-aortic vessel treatment.