Glomus Tympanum TumorSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Glomus Tympanum Tumor
A glomus tympanicum tumor is a tumor of the middle ear and bone behind the ear (mastoid).
Paraganglioma - glomus tympanicum; Middle ear paraganglioma
A glomus tympanicum tumor grows in the temporal bone of the skull, behind the eardrum (tympanic membrane).
This area contains nerve fibers (glomus bodies) that normally respond to changes in body temperature or blood pressure.
These tumors most often occur late in life, around age 60 or 70, but they can appear at any age.
The cause of a glomus tympanicum 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:
- Hearing problems or loss
- Ringing or heart beat sounds in the ear (pulsatile tinnitus)
- Weakness or loss of movement in the face (facial nerve palsy)
Glomus tympanicum tumors are rarely cancerous and do not tend to spread to other parts of the body. However, treatment may be needed to relieve symptoms.
UT Southwestern - Otolaryngology Clinic
Brandon Isaacson is an Otolaryngologist and a Plastic Surgeon in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Isaacson is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Glomus Tympanum Tumor. His top areas of expertise are Glomus Tympanum Tumor, Acoustic Neuroma, Schwannoma, Mastoidectomy, and Endoscopy.
Ballad Health Rural Health Clinic
. Dr. Johnson is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Glomus Tympanum Tumor. Her top areas of expertise are Glomus Tympanum Tumor, Glomus Jugulare Tumor, Hypertension, and Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism.
Francisco Larrosa practices in Barcelona, Spain. Mr. Larrosa is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Glomus Tympanum Tumor. His top areas of expertise are Glomus Tympanum Tumor, Cholesteatoma, Ear Cancer, Adenoidectomy, and Mastoidectomy.
People who have surgery usually do well. More than 90% of people with glomus tympanicum tumors are cured.
The most common complication is hearing loss. Other complications may include:
- Hole in the eardrum
- Bleeding from the ear
Nerve damage, which may be caused by the tumor itself or damage during surgery, rarely occurs. Nerve damage can lead to facial paralysis.
Contact your health care provider if you notice:
- Difficulty with hearing or swallowing
- Problems with the muscles in your face
- Pulsing sensation in your ear
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.