We present the rare case of a 78-year-old lady with a large carotid body tumour (CBT). A CBT is a paraganglioma arising at the carotid bifurcation and derived from neuroectodermal tissue. To our knowledge, this is the first case described in the literature of a patient presenting with dysphonia alone.

An MRI showed a large well-defined lobulated vascular mass, splaying the origins of the left internal and external carotid arteries. The mass filled the parapharyngeal space extending across the midline of the oropharynx, with displacement of the left piriform fossa.

We have highlighted that CBTs may present with dysphonia as the only symptom or sign, without neck lump. A history of non-resolving dysphonia, even if mild, always requires prompt investigation. Early diagnosis and surgical excision is important for successful management of CBTs, in order to prevent mortality and reduce morbidity such as neurological damage and vascular sacrifice.

A suprising cause of dysphonia