Carotid Body Tumors

Angiographic findings in carotid body tumors are characteristic. The carotid arteries are usually widened and displaced at their bifurcation. The arterial phase shows numerous abnormal small and large vessels at the tumor site; a later phase demonstrates tumor stain and numerous abnormal veins around the tumor. The tumors are well-defined and separated from normal soft tissue. Usually the supplying tumor arteries arise from the external carotid, but in some very large growths, the internal carotid also gives branches to the tumor. Three cases are reported in detail.