Figure 7.

Shamblin classification of carotid body tumors.

Type I tumors are small lesions, that do not splay the carotid bifurcation.

Type II tumors are larger, significantly splay the carotid bifurcation, but do not circumferentially encase the carotid arteries.

Type III tumors are large, encapsulate the internal or external carotid arteries, and often adhere or incorporate the adjacent cranial nerves.

CN cranial nerve, ECA external carotid artery, ICA internal carotid artery, SLN superior laryngeal nerve.