A review of the management of carotid body tumours at Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

This was a retrospective study covering the period from January 1990 to December 2000 inclusive. It involved a review of hospital records of patients who presented at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) during this period and were diagnosed to have carotid body tumour (CBT). The relevant literature on the subject was reviewed and justification given for the study. The epidemiological trend, the pattern of presentation, the diagnostic work-up and the modes of treatment of CBT were covered. The study methodology was outlined, and the data obtained processed and analysed. The results were then presented and discussed, and from them conclusions and recommendations made. It is expected that it will be possible to draw a protocol for the standardized management of these patients at the KNH. The whole study should also form a basis for future works on the subject. During the eleven year period a total of 30 patients were treated, out of whom 21(70%) were female and 9(30%) male, giving a female to male (F: M) ratio of2.33:1 or 7:3 A third of the patients came from Central Province and only one (3.3%) from Coast. No patient was seen from North Eastern Province. The youngest patient was 20 years old and the oldest 96 years old. The annual prevalence of the disease was 2.72.Patients, even though the most number of patients (7 i.e 23.3 %) presented in 1996. There were no obviously identifiable predisposing factors. All the patients presented with a lump in the neck of variable duration; the most favored investigation was carotid angiography. Twenty eight (28) out of the 30 patients (93.3%) were operated on, out of whom only one (3.3%) died during reoperation.