Glomus Tumors (Paraganglioma)

Rare, vascular-rich, mostly benign but slowly growing tumors located in the ear and skull base region.

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Skull Base and Pituitary Surgery

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1Overview

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What is this Condition?

Symptoms

Pulsatile, unilateral tinnitus synchronized with heartbeat (pounding sound)
Hearing loss, sensation of fullness in the ear
Dizziness and balance disorder
Swallowing difficulty, hoarseness (due to lower cranial nerve involvement)
Facial asymmetry or weakness
Palpable neck mass (in some types)

Diagnosis Methods

Diagnosis uses contrast-enhanced brain and skull base MRI along with CT imaging; these tumors have a typical appearance on imaging due to their vascular nature. Angiography can be performed to evaluate vascular anatomy. Since some tumors can secrete hormones, blood and urine tests may be ordered; genetic testing is recommended in appropriate patients as tumors can be familial or multifocal.

Treatment Methods

Surveillance with regular imaging (in slowly growing, asymptomatic tumors)
Surgical tumor resection
Preoperative vascular embolization to reduce bleeding
Focused radiation therapy (radiosurgery)

References

  1. Greenberg MS. Handbook of Neurosurgery. 10th ed. Thieme; 2023.
  2. Winn HR, ed. Youmans and Winn Neurological Surgery. 6th ed. Elsevier; 2011.
  3. Di Ieva A, Lee JM, Cusimano MD, eds. Handbook of Skull Base Surgery. Thieme; 2016.
  4. Spetzler RF, et al. eds. Neurovascular Surgery. 2nd ed. New York: Thieme; 2015.

This content is for informational purposes and based on academic sources; consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

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Glomus Tumors (Paraganglioma) (ICD-10: D35.6) | Dr. Özgür AKŞAN