Diagnostic Dilemma in a Carotid Body Tumor: A Case Report

Abstract

An asymptomatic swelling in the neck region has many differential diagnoses. Most common of them is reactive lymphadenitis and carotid body tumor being the last thing. We present here a case of carotid body tumor that misguided us on clinical and radiological ground. It was suspected intra-operatively and confirmed by histopathological examination. Carotid body tumors are rare neoplasm. It arises from the chemoreceptor cells of the carotid bulb. We report a case of carotid body tumor in a 57-year-old female, who presented with painless, gradually progressive lateral neck swelling. The diagnosis is suspected on the basis of clinical radiological and per-operative examination findings. Histopathological examination confirms the diagnosis of carotid body tumor