Glomus tympanum tumor
Paraganglioma - glomus tympanumA glomus tympanum tumor is a tumor of the middle ear and bone behind the ear (mastoid).
Causes
A glomus tympanum 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 tympanum 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
Symptoms may include:
- Hearing problems or loss
- Ringing or heart beat sounds in the ear (pulsatile tinnitus)
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the medical term for "hearing" noises in your ears. It occurs when there is no outside source of the sounds. Tinnitus is often called "r...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Weakness or loss of movement in the face (facial nerve palsy)
Exams and Tests
Glomus tympanum tumors are diagnosed by a physical exam. They may be seen in the ear or behind the eardrum.
Diagnosis also involves scans, including:
-
CT scan
CT scan
A computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body. Related tests include:Abdomin...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article -
MRI scan
MRI scan
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the body. It does not us...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article
Treatment
Glomus tympanum tumors are rarely cancerous and do not tend to spread to other parts of the body. However, treatment may be needed to relieve symptoms.
Outlook (Prognosis)
People who have surgery usually do well. More than 90% of people with glomus tympanum tumors are cured.
Possible Complications
The most common complication is hearing loss.
Nerve damage, which may be caused by the tumor itself or damage during surgery, rarely occurs. Nerve damage can lead to facial paralysis.
Facial paralysis
Facial paralysis means that a person is no longer able to move some or all of the muscles on one or both sides of the face.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleWhen to Contact a Medical Professional
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
References
Gubbels SP, Hartl RB, Crowson MG, Jenkns HA, Marsh M. Temporal bone neoplasms and lateral cranial base surgery. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 178.
Rucker JC, Seay MD. Cranial neuropathies. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 103.
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.
Review Date: 12/31/2023
Reviewed By: Josef Shargorodsky, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.