Management of chemodectomas

Abstract

Symptoms, diagnosis, management, and follow-up study of eight patients with chemodectomas are described. Five tumors were benign and three were malignant. Three patients died, one from the effects of the tumor. The natural history of these tumors, benign or malignant, is one of slow progression. Four patients were treated by total excision and three patients by partial excision of the chemodectoma. The common carotid, external carotid, and internal carotid artery were successively ligated in one patient with fatal outcome. Resection of the internal carotid artery should be avoided in benign tumors if possible. If resection is necessary, re-establishment of internal carotid flow is imperative. The patient's age and condition should be considered before commencing vessel replacement. Partial resection of x-ray therapy may be useful adjuvants in managing unresectable, malignant, or symptomatic chemodectomas.