Diagnosis and Management of Carotid Body Tumors

Abstract

With the widespread application of genetic testing in recent years, the pathogenesis of carotid body tumors has been clarified. At present, tumor resection is the only curative treatment, with the high risk of perioperative complications, such as intraoperative hemorrhage, inferior cerebral nerve dysfunction, and cerebral infarction. A multidisciplinary team approach is essential for planning safe surgical resection.

In addition, treatment options are limited for cases with unresectable disease, such as those with invasion of adjacent structures and/or distant metastasis. New treatment methods are developing. In the near future, new therapies targeting factors contributing to tumor development, such as SDHx, and tumor progression are expected to be developed.