Carotid body tumors

Carotid body tumors (chemodectomas) are vascular tumors. They start at the paraganglionic cells on the outer layer of the carotid artery and develop where the artery bifurcates into the internal and external carotid arteries. Most often these tumors are benign, but in 5-10% of cases they are malignant. These tumors can grow pretty large before they cause symptoms like a painless pulsating mass in the neck and difficulty swallowing. Surgery is usually performed for treatment, and radiation therapy may also be used.

Carotid body tumors are usually hereditary and are more common in South America. Only about 10% of tumors are on both sides of the carotid artery. They are diagnosed through CT, MRI, and angiography.

Reference:
http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/5486.cfm

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