Glomus jugulare tumor.

A review has been made of the current recommendations for treatment of glomus tumors involving the ear. Thirty cases treated in our clinic have been reviewed, comprised of 8 glomus tympanicum and 22 glomus jugulare tumors. We recommend surgical excision as primary treatment for glomus tympanicum tumors and high voltage radiotherapy as primary treatment for glomus jugulare tumors. Visible residual tumor following adequate radiotherapy may remain unchanged for many years. Some cases that do not show a response to high voltage radiation may be suitable for secondary radical surgical treatment. Fortunately, we have not yet encountered a case of glomus jugulare tumor with nonresponse to high voltage radiation in the doses recommended. Long term follow-up is important.