Glomus tumor symptoms & treatment

Glomus tumors, or paragangliomas, are slow-growing soft tissue tumors that develop in the glomus cells in the skull base of your head or your neck areas. This includes the carotid arteries (the major blood vessels in your neck) and the middle and inner ear structures (jugular bulb). Glomus tumors are rare and usually benign (noncancerous). However, they are locally invasive and can cause significant damage to surrounding tissues or nerves as they grow.

Malignant glomus tumors (cancerous) are possible but extremely rare.

What causes glomus tumors?

Glomus tumors can affect anyone, but they are more common in older adults and have no known risk factors. While the exact causes are unknown, genetic factors may play a role in their development, including the mutation of the SDHD gene (succinate dehydrogenase gene).

Symptoms and types of glomus tumors

Glomus tumor symptoms depend on where the tumor is located in the head and neck region. The most common site for a glomus tumor to form is in the inner or middle ears.

A tumor that develops in the carotid arteries located in your neck (carotid body tumor) may cause:

• A mass in the neck
• Hoarseness
• Trouble swallowing

A tumor of the jugular bulb near the inner ear structure (glomus jugulare tumor) may cause:

• Bleeding from one ear
• Difficulty swallowing
• Ear pain
• Hearing loss
• Shoulder droop

A tumor in the middle ear structures (glomus tympanicum tumor) may cause:

• Bleeding from one ear
• Hearing loss
• Pulsing or ringing in one ear

A tumor in the neck (glomus vagale tumor) may cause:

• Weakness or paralysis in part of the face (facial palsy)
• A mass in the neck

Secreting glomus tumors

Sometimes the tumor can secrete chemicals called catecholamines that affect the body’s norepinephrine, or stress hormone. If this happens, symptoms may include:

• Anxiety
• Headaches
• High blood pressure

Diagnosis of glomus tumors

If you suspect you have a glomus tumor, you’ll first meet with your provider for a physical exam and to discuss your symptoms. They may order imaging tests, such as an MRI, CT scan or angiogram to check for possible glomus tumors.

Glomus tumor treatment options

If you have a glomus tumor, your Aurora Health Care neurosurgical team will work with you to determine the best treatment for your needs. They may recommend a combination of treatments for glomus tumors, including surgery and radiation.

Your neurosurgeon may perform the Expanded Endonasal Approach (EEA), a minimally invasive procedure in which the tumor is removed through the nasal passages, resulting in no incisions, a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery.