Glomus Jugulare TumorSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Glomus Jugulare Tumor
A glomus jugulare tumor is a tumor of the part of the temporal bone in the skull that involves the middle and inner ear structures. This tumor can affect the ear, upper neck, base of the skull, and the surrounding blood vessels and nerves.
Paraganglioma - glomus jugulare
A glomus jugulare tumor grows in the temporal bone of the skull, in an area called the jugular foramen. The jugular foramen is also where the jugular vein and several important nerves exit the skull.
This area contains nerve fibers, called glomus bodies. Normally, these nerves respond to changes in body temperature or blood pressure.
These tumors most often occur later in life, around age 60 or 70, but they can appear at any age. The cause of a glomus jugulare tumor is unknown. In most cases, there are no known risk factors. Glomus tumors have been associated with changes (mutations) in a gene responsible for the enzyme succinate dehydrogenase (SDHD).
Symptoms may include:
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Dizziness
- Hearing problems or loss of hearing
- Hearing pulsations in the ear
- Hoarseness
- Pain
- Weakness or loss of movement in the face (facial nerve palsy)
Glomus jugulare tumors are rarely cancerous and do not tend to spread to other parts of the body. However, treatment may be needed to relieve symptoms. The main treatment is surgery. Surgery is complex and is most often done by a neurosurgeon, head and neck surgeon, and ear surgeon (neurotologist).
In some cases, a procedure called embolization is performed before surgery to prevent the tumor from bleeding too much during surgery.
After surgery, radiation therapy may be used to treat any part of the tumor that could not be removed completely.
Some glomus tumors can be treated with stereotactic radiosurgery.
Penn Otorhinolaryngology - Head And Neck Surgery Perelman
Douglas Bigelow is an Otolaryngologist practicing medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Bigelow is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Glomus Jugulare Tumor. He is also highly rated in 24 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Schwannoma, Acoustic Neuroma, Glomus Jugulare Tumor, Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, and Myringotomy. Dr. Bigelow is board certified in Otolaryngology/Neurotology, 2008 and Otolaryngology, 1990. Dr. Bigelow is currently accepting new patients.
Avera Medical Group Oncology & Hematology — Prairie Center
Benjamin M. Solomon, MD, is an expert in medical oncology at Avera Medical Group Oncology & Hematology in Sioux Falls, SD. Dr. Solomon is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Glomus Jugulare Tumor. He is also highly rated in 69 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Lung Cancer, Neuroendocrine Tumor, Colorectal Cancer, Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), and Bone Marrow Aspiration. Dr. Solomon is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine Certifications: Internal Medicine Hematology Medical Oncology.
Otolaryngology - Lds Hospital Surgical
Neil Patel is a Plastic Surgeon practicing medicine in Salt Lake City, Utah. Dr. Patel is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Glomus Jugulare Tumor. He is also highly rated in 12 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Acoustic Neuroma, Glomus Jugulare Tumor, Schwannoma, Lithotripsy, and Myringotomy. Dr. Patel is board certified in American Board Of Otolaryngology - Head And Neck Surgery. Dr. Patel is currently accepting new patients.
People who have surgery or radiation usually do well. More than 90% of those with glomus jugulare tumors are cured.
The most common complications are due to nerve damage, which may be caused by the tumor itself or damage during surgery. Nerve damage can lead to:
- Change in voice
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hearing loss
- Paralysis of the face
- Hole in the eardrum
- Bleeding
Contact your health care provider if you:
- Are having difficulty with hearing or swallowing
- Develop pulsations in your ear
- Notice a lump in your neck
- Notice any problems with the muscles in your face
Published Date: October 15, 2025
Published By: James L. Demetroulakos, MD, F.A.C.S., Department of Otolaryngology, North Shore Medical Center, Salem, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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Verlicchi A, Nicolato A, Valvassori, L, De Donato G, Zanotti B. Head and neck paragangliomas. In: Winn HR, ed. Youmans and Winn Neurological Surgery. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 181.