Objective: To analyze the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the malignant carotid body tumor.
Methods: The data of pathology, diagnosis, therapy and follow-up of seven patients with malignant carotid body tumor in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from Dec 1949 to Dec 2012 were analyzed retrospectively.
Results: 2 cases without the tumor resection. 5 cases were treated with surgical methods, 4 cases with tumor resection and external carotid artery ligation, 1 case with tumor resection and reconstruction of internal carotid artery with saphenous vein. Cranial nerve palsy occurred in 5 cases, of which 3 occurred hypoglossal nerve damage, 2 cases occurred vagus damage, 1 case with hypoglossal, vagus and sympathetic nerve damage. Follow-up was from 2 to 12 years. local tumor recurrence happened in 2-year postoperation and got remote bone and pancreas metastasis in 5-year postoperation in one case, and finally died in 7-year postoperation. 1 case had the internal carotid artery restenosis severely in 1-year postoperation, then performed the stent treatment. 2 cases without operation were still alive. Interestingly, the tumor after radiotherapy was steady in one case. The other received the tumor resection because of the severe syndrome after 8 years.
Conclusion: the diagnosis of malignant carotid body tumor should base on occurring extensive invasion of adjacent organs, metastasis and pathology. Early stage surgical excision can reduce the recurrence and complication. Radiotherapy can effectively control local size and distant metastasis.