Quality of life among patients with carotid body tumors in a retrospective matched-pair observational study

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Background</h3> The quality of life (QoL) in patients with head and neck paragangliomas, including carotid body tumors (CBT), is known to be reduced. Currently, there are only a few studies performed on the QoL among patients diagnosed with carotid body tumors (CBT) during follow-up and after a surgery. <h3>Objectives</h3> This study aims to assess QoL in CBT patients in follow-up and after surgery and to compare both groups with a control group. <h3>Methods</h3> In this retrospective study, CBT patients who underwent surgery were matched using Euclidean distance scoring with patients in follow-up based on age, gender, tumor size, tumor laterality, and follow-up duration. All matched patients completed the WHOQOL-BREF, SIP68, and RAND-36 questionnaires. A control group was recruited through an open online survey distributed via public channels. <h3>Results</h3> No statistically significant QoL differences were found between resected and non-resected CBT patients. Comparing non-resected, resected, and control groups, SF-36 showed significant differences in physical function, role-physical, and general health (P = 0.00). SIP-68 indicated a significant difference in mobility between resected and control groups and WHOQOL-BREF showed a significant difference in physical function (P < 0.02). Comorbidities and postoperative complications may contribute to reduced QoL in this population. <h3>Conclusion</h3> No significant QoL differences between matched CBT patients in follow-up and those who underwent resection. Both groups had lower QoL compared to controls in the subscale physical function, role-physical, and general health. These findings suggest a personalized approach may be more appropriate than assuming surgery improves QoL.