Safety of Nonoperative Management of Carotid Body Tumors

Abstract

Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare neuroendocrine paragangliomas that are typically asymptomatic and benign with a low rate of biochemical functionality. Historically, early surgical excision was recommended to prevent development of CBT-related complications. Yet, CBT resection can result in significant injury to cranial nerves and the carotid artery. Recent work has shown successful primary observation without resection of noncarotid body, cranial paragangliomas (glomus jugulare, tempanyomastoid, vagal body) with slow growth and a low rate of neuropathies.