Glomus Jugulare Tumor (Chemodectoma)

Abstract

Glomus jugulare tumors have their origin from a small (0.25 to 0.5 mm) group of cells in the adventitia of the jugular bulb. These paraganglia have recently been identified in different places in the petrous bone such as in the tympanic branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve, in the canaliculus tympanicus, and in the submucosa of the promentory. Glomus jugulare tumors receive their blood supply from the ascending pharyngeal artery and other small branches of the external carotid artery; branches from the vertebral artery can also contribute to the vascularity of larger tumors. This is important because the majority of these tumors should be considered for preoperative embolization to reduce their vascularity and, frequently, their overall volume. This can make surgery of these tumors considerably safer.