Giant Carotid Body Tumor Involving the Parapharyngeal Space

A Case Report

Abstract

A 29-year-old male complained of a painless right neck tumor. He had undergone surgery for chronic otitis media 8 years ago. One year after this operation, he noted right facial nerve palsy.
He was examined by computed tomography (CT), carotid angiography and biopsy. With contrast enhancement on CT, a hypervascular tumor shadow (5×4×9 cm) was detected in his right deep neck. Carotid angiogram demonstrated dilatation and deviation of the external carotid artery, and tumor staining in the carotid bifurcation. The biopsy specimen revealed venous hemangioma.
In Jan.1984, he was operated on tumor resection under general anesthesia. However, the tumor could not be removed completely, because it was so large that it involved the parapharyngeal space. Adhesion was found between the tumor and carotid bifurcation.
This tumor was diagnosed as paraganglioma by pathological examination.