Long-term control of surgically treated glomus tympanicum tumors

Objective: The glomus tumor is an enigmatic middle ear neoplasm commonly de layed in diagnosis. Frequently grouped with its skull base counterpart, sur gery and radiation are often recommended as therapy. The objective of this report is to highlight the disgnosis and surgical treatment of this neoplas m in a large series. Tumor control in the long term is defined. Study Design: Retrospective case review. Setting: Private practice-tertiary referral center. Patients: All patients surgically treated for glomus tympanicum tumors from May 25, 1972 to July 3, 1998 (N = 80). Interventions: Surgical excision of glomus tympanicum tumors. Main Outcome Measure: Total tumor control in the long term. Results: Surgical treatment resulted in long-term tumor control for the vas t majority of the patients studied. Conclusions: Surgery provides excellent control of glomus tympanicum tumors . It is safe and well tolerated, with minimal morbidity.