Background:

Carotid body tumors (CBT) are rare neoplasms, located in the carotid bifurcation. The diagnosis is often made by the patient when the tumor reaches important dimensions, they are typically benign, but they can invade carotid vessels and cranial nerves. Growth can extend intracranial hence becoming unrespectable; therefore, the identification of risk factors is crucial for prompt diagnosis.

Material and methods:

This is a retrospective, descriptive study; medical files from de Vascular Surgery Service at the National Medical Center Siglo XXI in Mexico City were reviewed from patients with CBT who underwent surgery from January 2010 to December 2014. Descriptive analysis was completed.

Results:

We analyzed 91 patients, 82 (90%) women, 9 men with a mean age 55 years. The most important risk factors were female gender and home residency at 2000 meters above sea level in 85 (93%) patients, no patient had history of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Conclusion:

Our study confirms that female gender and geographic altitude are risk factors in our population. The pathophysiology of this entity remains not fully understood, it is important to rule out hormonal factors given the predominance in females and the possible contribution of genetic factors.