APPROACH AND OUTCOME OF CAROTID BODY TUMOR AT A TERTIARY UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL: RETROSPECTIVE COHORT

Introduction: Management of Carotid Body Tumor (CBT) has not been standardized and presents a challenge to treating physician. This study conducted at a tertiary hospital of a developing nation, analysed outcomes like nerve injury, hospital stay, recurrence, mortality following surgical excision of this highly vascular tumor. Methods: A retrospective review of all cases operated for CBT over five years between January 2015 to December 2019, at the institute were consecutively evaluated. Initially there were 18 patients, but on reviewing the HPE two were reported as Schwannomas, therefore total 16 patients were serially studied (n=16). Symptom duration evaluated as mean, median with its interquartile range (IQR). Categorization of tumors as per Shamblin classification was done, incidence of malignancy, nerve injury analyzed in percentage. Results and conclusion: All CBT were completely excised. Prevalence was higher amongst females (69%). Mean was 42.7 years ± 10.56 (SD) with median duration of symptoms being 14 months, interquartile range (IQR) of 13 months (Q1=11.5, Q3=24.5 months). 50% of tumors were Shamblin type II, remaining tumors equally distributed in type I and III. One tumor reported as malignant. Overall complication rate was 18.75%, incidence of cranial nerve injury - 12.5%. CBT is a locally aggressive, slow growing lesion hence has a delayed presentation. Early excision is best chance for cure, hence prompt referral to specialist centre with a multidisciplinary team provides best chance for treatment reducing the inadvertent injury to surrounding neurovascular structures.