Table 1.

The Shamblin classification of carotid body tumors.

Class	Tumor characteristics
I	Splaying of the carotid bifurcation with little attachment to the carotid vessels; complete resection with very little morbidity
II	Partial surrounding of internal and external carotid artery; complete resection more challenging
III	Complete surrounding of the carotid vessels; complete resection often requires major vessel reconstruction