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Carotid body tumor

Case contributed by Marlon Garcia H
Diagnosis probable

Presentation

Pulsatile mass in the neck

Patient Data

Age: 50 years
ct

There is widening of the right carotid bifurcation with an extremely hypervascular carotid body tumor.

Lyre sign: splaying of the external and internal carotid arteries by the carotid body tumor.

Case Discussion

Histology was not available as the patient refused. Nevertheless the imaging findings of an intensely enhancing, homogenous mass that displaces the internal external carotid arteries is characteristic of a carotid body tumor.

Differential diagnoses could be: jugular paraganglioma, arteriovenous malformations or hemangioma.

Carotid body tumors are the most common paragangliomas of head and neck. Most of these tumors are benign with a small malignant potential. Although newer non-invasive diagnostic modalities have significantly enhanced the diagnostic compatibilities, controversy exists over adequate management of these tumors.

In younger, healthy patients with no comorbidities, the best therapeutic strategy is a complete excision of the tumor. However, in less than ideal patient population, modalities such as radiation and tumor embolization can be considered.

Surgical advances have greatly decreased the mortality rates.

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