Large Left Shamblin Type III Carotid Body Tumor With Tracheopharyngeal Deviation and Midline Shift: A Case Report

A 46-year-old female was referred for treatment of a large left parapharyngeal mass, incidentally discovered and later confirmed as a Shamblin type III carotid body tumor (CBT). There was no family history of CBTs. The patient exhibited no clinical signs of catecholamine excess, and both serum and urine catecholamine levels were normal. CT and CT angiography revealed a 4.2 cm mass arising from the carotid bifurcation, causing significant medial deviation of the trachea and pharynx. Ultrasound imaging showed complete encasement of the carotid artery and bulb by the tumor. Surgical resection was successfully performed via a longitudinal left neck incision, without the need for preoperative embolization, mandibular dislocation, or complex vascular reconstruction of the carotid bifurcation. This case underscores the importance of early detection and timely intervention by an experienced vascular surgical team to manage these complex tumors before they cause significant compression of neck structures, necessitating a more challenging procedure.