Current Concepts for the Surgical Management of Carotid Body Tumor
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2006
Description
Background: Carotid body tumor (CBT) is a rare lesion of the neuroendocrine system. Chronic hypoxia has long been recognized as an etiology of CBT and other paragangliomas. Recent biogenetic discoveries reveal that mutations in oxygen-sensing genes are another etiology, accounting for approximately 35% of cases, and that these 2 etiologies are probably additive. Data Sources: (1) A retrospective analysis of fifteen cases of CBT in a 6-year period occurring in the mountains of Southern Appalachia; (2) an extensive review of the literature on the surgery of CBT and on the expansive biogenetic understanding of the disease. Conclusions: Improved imaging, vascular surgical techniques, and understanding of the disease have vastly improved outcomes for patients. The necessities for long-term follow-up and appropriate genetic testing and counseling of patients and their families are documented. Surgeon and institutional competence are critical in achieving maximal outcomes.
Citation Information
Knight, Theron; Gonzalez, Jose Andres; Rary, John M.; and Rush, Daniel S.. 2006. Current Concepts for the Surgical Management of Carotid Body Tumor. American Journal of Surgery. Vol.191(1). 104-110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjsurg.2005.10.010 PMID: 16399116 ISSN: 0002-9610