Objective: To report the experience in diagnosis and treatment as well as the surgical complications of carotid body tumors (CBTs). Methods: The data of 24 CBT patients with a total of 30 CBTs treated from January 1999 to September 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Of the patients, 6 cases had bilateral lesions, and 18 cases had a unilateral lesion. Results: All the 24 patients (30 CBTs) underwent surgical treatment that included simple tumor excision of 17 Shamblin I tumors, tumor removal plus external carotid artery resection of 7 Shamblin II tumors, and tumor removal plus partial internal carotid artery resection and reconstruction of 6 Shamblin III tumors. Tumors were completely removed in all the 24 patients, and no operative death occurred, Transient postoperative cranial nerve injury occurred in 5 cases (16.7%) and permanent postoperative cranial nerve damage occurred in one case (3.33%). Follow-up lasted for 1 year to 15 years, and no delayed complications or tumor recurrence occurred. Conclusion: Surgery is the most effective treatment for CBTs, and favorable outcomes may be obtained by appropriate surgical procedures decided according to the size of the tumor and the relationship between the tumor and its adjacent arteries.