Abstract
While their incidence is rare, carotid body tumors (CBT) can present a formidable challenge to the surgeon. Due to their anatomic location and persistent yearly growth, with a mean tumor doubling time of 4.2 years, CBTs gradually lead to vascular invasion and cranial nerve compromise. Potential management options of no intervention, surgical resection, or radiation therapy are discussed. A review of CBT classification and its relevance to surgical resection is presented. Three representative cases are presented in order to provide recommendations on management options and decision-making.