Faculty Bibliography

Carcinoma adherent to the carotid artery may be present in advanced head and neck cancers. Angiography, ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are available for the preoperative evaluation of the carotid artery. This study demonstrates that CT is not accurate in demonstrating malignant invasion of the carotid artery. Ultrasonography appears to be the best modality for assessing carotid artery invasion. Magnetic resonance imaging may prove helpful in this determination

Carotid sinus hypersensitivity secondary to the presence of head and neck carcinoma has been recently reviewed in the otolaryngologic literature. We present a case of carotid sinus hypersensitivity coupled with glossopharyngeal neuralgia due to tonsillar carcinoma invading the parapharyngeal space. Medical management with atropine, carbamazepine, and transvenous pacing was only moderately successful in controlling the symptomatology. Surgery appeared to offer a more permanent solution to the problem