Malignant Carotid Body Tumor: A Case Report and Comprehensive Literature Review

Background: Malignant carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare neoplasms arising from the chemoreceptor cells at the carotid bifurcation. They are often misdiagnosed and can lead to serious complications if not treated timely. Case presentation: A ۴۴-year-old female presented with a mass in the neck, persisting for six months, without any accompanying symptoms, such as pain or difficulty swallowing. Physical examination revealed a firm ۳ x ۴ cm mass on the right side of her neck, near the mandible. Doppler ultrasound identified a semi-vascular mass (۲.۵ x ۳.۵ cm) at the right carotid bifurcation, further confirmed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT), indicating vascularity and causing the widening of the carotid arteries. The mass received blood supply from small arterioles stemming from the external carotid artery. Surgical exploration also demonstrated a firm, fibrous mass classified as a grade-۲ tumor according to the Shamblin classification. The tumor was successfully excised after cauterizing small arterial branches from the internal and external carotid arteries. Conclusion: The evaluation of this case revealed the significance of early diagnosis and surgical intervention in managing malignant CBTs, as they can lead to serious complications. A multidisciplinary approach that includes imaging and surgical expertise is crucial for successful outcomes.

کلیدواژه ها:

Doppler ultrasound ، Carotid body tumor ، Malignant tumor