Double trouble at the carotid bifurcation: A rare case of bilateral carotid body tumors

Rare bilateral carotid body tumors

Abstract

Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare, highly vascular paragangliomas arising from chemoreceptor tissue at the carotid bifurcation. Bilateral tumors are particularly uncommon in patients without a known familial or genetic predisposition. We present a 54-year-old man with bilateral, long-standing, asymptomatic neck masses diagnosed as bilateral CBTs based on clinical findings and computed tomography angiography. After multidisciplinary discussion of staged surgery, radiotherapy, and active surveillance, the patient chose surveillance. The tumors remained stable at the 6-month follow-up. This case highlights the importance of careful clinical assessment, appropriate imaging, and individualized management to balance tumor control against the potential morbidity of bilateral intervention.