SURGICAL-MANAGEMENT OF PREVIOUSLY UNTREATED GLOMUS-JUGULARE TUMORS

The treatment of glomus jugulare tumors is controversial. Changes in t he surgical treatment of glomus jugulare tumors at The House Ear Clini c have allowed complete resection in 85% of patients with minimal morb idity and no surgical mortalities. Our experience with 52 previously u ntreated patients with glomus jugulare tumors is reviewed. Two primary surgical techniques were used. The mastoid/neck approach was used in 9 patients with small tumors limited to the jugular bulb. The infratem poral fossa approach was used in the remaining 43 tumors. Lower crania l nerve preservation was possible in the majority of patients with nor mal preoperative function. Modifications in the management of the faci al nerve during the infratemporal fossa approach have resulted in good recovery of facial function (House grade I/VI or II/VI) in 95% of pat ients. Most patients (85%) were able to fully resume all preoperative activities. Our results suggest that surgical management is the treatm ent of choice in younger patients with glomus jugulare tumors.