Glomus Tympanum Tumor Overview
Learn About Glomus Tympanum Tumor
A glomus tympanum tumor is a tumor of the middle ear and bone behind the ear (mastoid).
Paraganglioma - glomus tympanum
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 may include:
- Hearing problems or loss
- Ringing or heart beat sounds in the ear (pulsatile tinnitus)
- Weakness or loss of movement in the face (facial nerve palsy)
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.
Duke Health Integrated Practice Inc
John Kirkpatrick is a Radiation Oncologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Kirkpatrick and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Glomus Tympanum Tumor. His top areas of expertise are Brain Tumor, Meningioma, Glioma, Astrocytoma, and Gamma Knife Radiosurgery. Dr. Kirkpatrick is currently accepting new patients.
Duke Health Integrated Practice Inc
David Kaylie is an Otolaryngologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Kaylie and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Glomus Tympanum Tumor. His top areas of expertise are Acoustic Neuroma, Hearing Loss, Schwannoma, Mastoidectomy, and Myringotomy. Dr. Kaylie is currently accepting new patients.
Duke Health Integrated Practice Inc
Calhoun Cunningham is an Otolaryngologist in Raleigh, North Carolina. Dr. Cunningham and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Glomus Tympanum Tumor. His top areas of expertise are Acoustic Neuroma, Schwannoma, Infant Hearing Loss, and Ruptured Eardrum. Dr. Cunningham is currently accepting new patients.
People who have surgery usually do well. More than 90% of people with glomus tympanum tumors are cured.
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.
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
Published Date: December 31, 2023
Published 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.
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