Carotid body tumor

The carotid body is a small, highly vascularized and innervated tissue located posterior to the bifurcation of the common carotid artery. It is an important peripheral chemoreceptor that senses changes in blood carbon dioxide levels, leading to alterations in respiration and heart rate. In some cases, the carotid body can undergo hyperplasia, eventually forming a carotid body tumor. Carotid body tumors are classified as both paragangliomas and chemodectomas. They can occur at any age, with a higher incidence in females than males.