Glomus Tumors

Indications for Surgery

Glomus tumor of the middle ear, facial nerve canal, or Jugular Bulb are indications that you may need surgery.

Anesthesia

This procedure requires General Anesthetic.

Surgical Time

The length of this procedure is 1 to 6 hours.

Hospital Admission

A hospital admission is required for 1 to 3 days, occasionally your procedure can be done on an out patient basis.

About the Procedure

Access to the tumor is tailored to its size and location. Deeply situated larger tumors require more extensive approaches. Removal of affected structures such as jugular vein may be necessary to completely resect the growth. Re-positioning of normal structures to be retained (such as the Facial Nerve) may be needed for tumor access. Tumors may extend intra-cranially and required an approach combining an opening into the brain cavity (called a craniotomy) for safe, and complete removal.

Side Note

As glomus tumors arise from cells that may make chemical substances released into the bloodstream (such as adrenaline), testing is performed prior to tumor removal to identify those tumors that secrete substances which must be provided for in order to accomplish safe resection.