P.095 Role of selective neck dissections in the management of carotid body tumours

Abstract

Background: Carotid body tumours (CBT) are rare neoplasms of the paraganglia at the carotid bifurcation. Histopathologic analysis alone is insufficient to confirm malignancy, requiring metastases to non-neuroendocrine tissue including cervical lymph nodes for definitive diagnosis. The role of selective neck dissection (SND) during CBT surgeries in detecting malignancy and guiding subsequent management remains uncertain. Methods: A retrospective case series was performed on all patients undergoing CBT surgeries with SND between 2002 and 2022. Data collection included demographics, genetic and laboratory testing, imaging, intra- and post-operative complications, follow-up and histopathology. Results: Twenty-one patients underwent CBT resection with SND. Of these, 3 had carotid artery injuries, and 5 had nerve injuries. One patient experienced peri-operative embolic strokes, presumed related to tumour embolization. Three patients were found to have lymph node involvement, confirming malignancy. Malignancy was significantly associated with the risk of carotid injury (p = 0.04.) Conclusions: SND is a useful adjunct in detecting malignancy during CBT resection. The incidence of malignancy in CBT is low but not negligible and SND should be considered in patients with suspected malignancy or high-risk factors. This study’s 14% incidence of malignancy suggests there may be a rationale for considering universal implementation of SND during CBT resection.