Epidemiology and survival of patients with malignant carotid body tumors in the SEER database

A retrospective review of the SEER database found that the incidence of malignant CBT was extremely rare and prone to fluctuation, but that it slowly trended upward over time. Malignant CBT was found to more likely affect females, and it could be diagnosed at any age. The overall prognosis for malignant CBT appeared to be good, with acceptable 5-year and 10-year survival rates. Due to a number of factors complicating malignant CBT surgery, surgical treatment should be considered with caution.