A glomus tumor is a tumor that occurs in the carotid arteries, the base of the skull near the inner ear, or below the ear. Symptoms that can happen if it is located in the head near the ear include hearing loss, ear pain, ringing in the ear, etc. It typically grows slowly and is usually benign (non-cancerous). Imaging used to evaluate glomus tumors include MRI’s, CT’s, and angiograms.
Treatment options may include stereotactic radiosurgery or surgery to remove the tumor. Typically, to remove a glomus tumor near the inner ear, the surgical approach would involve gaining access through the patient’s ear. Once visualized, the tumor is removed. Patients may have stereotactic radiosurgery after removing the tumor or as a treatment option in conjunction with surgical excision.