Carotid body tumor with thyroid involvement

Abstract

Introduction: the carotid body tumor (paraganglioma) is a tumor that originates from paraganglion cells. the tumor is usually begnin and non-functional, and can expand early but rarely metastasis. these tumors are rare and make up 65% of all head and neck tumors. case report: Herein we discuss a case of a 66-yearold female patient who presented with a right side neck mass measuring 2x3 cm, soft and nontender. the mass was gradually increasing in size. blood pressure 142/182 mmHg, pulse 120 beats/min. blood workup: Hemoglobin 10.5 g/dL (11.0–15,0 g/dL), platelets count 479x10 3 / µL (150–400x10 3 /µL), thyroid stimulating hormone 0.26 mIU/L (0.34–5.6 mIU/L), thyroxin 13.5 g/dL, retro viral disease exposed, and liver function test was normal. conclusion: carotid body tumors are rare entity; they account for 65% of all head and neck tumors and should be considered in evaluating all lateral neck masses. they are diagnosed in the 4–5th decade of life. treatment of choice is surgical excision, but their differential diagnosis is important for all neck masses and the definite diagnosis is needed before surgery.