Carotid Glomus Tumor: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Carotid glomus tumors are rare neuroendocrine neoplasms originating in the chemoreceptors of the carotid body. They account for less than 0.01% of all paragangliomas. Although benign, their high vascularization and invasive potential require specialized surgical management.

Objective: To present a case of a Shamblin II carotid glomus tumor and discuss its diagnosis, treatment, and course.

Case Report: A 59-year-old female patient with a painless left cervical mass that had been present for eight years. Surgical excision was performed via cervicotomy, revealing a 4-cm lesion at the carotid bifurcation, classified as Shamblin II. The surgery lasted 3.5 hours with a blood loss of 350 ml. The postoperative course was favorable, with no neurological or vascular complications.

Conclusions: Although rare, carotid glomus tumors should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cervical masses. Early surgery and preoperative planning with advanced imaging studies reduce the risk of complications. This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in specialized centers.