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Case Studies | Surgery | Volume 15 Issue 3, March 2026 | Pages: 526 - 528 | India
Unexpected Carotid Body Paraganglioma Encountered During Modified Radical Neck Dissection for Buccal Mucosa Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Diagnostic Pitfall in Oncologic Neck Surgery
Abstract: Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are uncommon paragangliomas arising from specialized chemoreceptor tissue located at the carotid bifurcation. Because of their marked vascularity and characteristic anatomical location, they are usually identified on preoperative imaging. However, smaller lesions may occasionally remain undetected and may be encountered unexpectedly during surgical exploration of the neck. We present the case of a 68-year-old female who underwent composite resection with modified radical neck dissection for squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa. Preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography demonstrated cervical lymphadenopathy but did not reveal any vascular lesion. During neck dissection, a well-circumscribed pulsatile mass was identified at the carotid bifurcation. The lesion was meticulously dissected in the subadventitial plane and excised without vascular injury. Histopathological examination together with immunohistochemistry confirmed a carotid body paraganglioma (Shamblin grade I). This case highlights the potential for occult carotid body tumors to mimic nodal disease during oncologic neck surgery and the diagnostic limitations of imaging, the importance of intraoperative vigilance, and key surgical and pathological considerations.
Keywords: Carotid body tumor, Paraganglioma, Modified radical neck dissection, Buccal mucosa squamous cell carcinoma, Intraoperative finding
How to Cite?: Dr. Varushi, Dr. Amit Katlana, "Unexpected Carotid Body Paraganglioma Encountered During Modified Radical Neck Dissection for Buccal Mucosa Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Diagnostic Pitfall in Oncologic Neck Surgery", Volume 15 Issue 3, March 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 526-528, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26305221715, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26305221715