Glomus Jugulare Tumor: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Glomus Jugulare Tumor?
An ear, nose, and throat doctor (an otolaryngologist) often evaluates this tumor first. Surgery is most often done by a neurosurgeon, a head and neck surgeon, or a neurotologist (an ear surgeon). A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is glomus jugulare tumor?
A glomus jugulare tumor is a tumor in the temporal bone, the bone on the side of the skull. It grows in an area called the jugular foramen. The jugular vein and several important nerves leave the skull through this area.
The tumor grows in an area that contains glomus bodies. These are nerve fibers that normally respond to changes in body temperature or blood pressure. The tumor can affect the ear, the upper neck, the base of the skull, and nearby blood vessels and nerves.
These tumors are rarely cancerous. They rarely spread to other parts of the body. They can grow into nearby bone, nerves, and blood vessels.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on where the tumor is and how large it gets. Common signs include:
- Hearing loss or other hearing problems.
- A pulsing sound in the ear that beats with your pulse, called pulsatile tinnitus.
- Dizziness.
- Pain.
- Difficulty swallowing, called dysphagia.
- Hoarseness, or a change in your voice.
- Weakness or loss of movement in the face, called facial nerve palsy.
- A lump in the neck.
The tumor can also affect the nerves that control the throat and voice. This can change how you swallow and speak.
Causes and who gets it
The exact cause is unknown. In most cases, no risk factors are known. Some glomus tumors have been linked to changes, called mutations, in a gene called SDHD.
Most tumors appear later in life, around age 60 or 70. They can appear at any age.
This tumor is very rare. One review estimates about one case per 1.3 million people.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors diagnose this tumor with a physical exam and imaging tests. A CT scan gives a better view of how the tumor touches the bone. An MRI gives a better description of the tumor involving the soft tissue.
Cerebral angiography, an X-ray test of the blood vessels in the head, may also be used.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the size and location of the tumor, the nerves it affects, the patient's health, and the patient's wishes.
- Surgery. This is the main treatment. Surgery is complex and is most often done by a neurosurgeon, a head and neck surgeon, or a neurotologist.
- Embolization. This procedure may be done before surgery to lower the risk of heavy bleeding during the operation.
- Radiation therapy. This may be used after surgery to treat any part of the tumor that could not be removed.
- Stereotactic radiosurgery, a radiation treatment, can treat some of these tumors.
- Observation. Doctors may choose to watch some tumors over time, with regular scans.
Surgery can damage nearby nerves. Possible results include a change in voice, trouble swallowing, hearing loss, and paralysis of the face. People who have surgery or radiation usually do well.
When to see a doctor
Contact your health care provider if you have trouble hearing or swallowing, feel a pulsing in your ear, notice a lump in your neck, or notice problems with the muscles in your face.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have severe trouble breathing, choking, fainting or loss of consciousness, or a sudden change in mental state.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. They can evaluate symptoms like hearing loss, dizziness, or a neck lump and follow them over time. They can also coordinate care with a specialist, but they do not perform surgery.
Common questions
Is a glomus jugulare tumor cancer?
Usually not. These tumors are rarely cancerous and do not tend to spread to other parts of the body. They can still grow into nearby bone, nerves, and blood vessels.
Can glomus jugulare tumors be prevented?
Not in most cases. The exact cause is unknown, and most cases have no known risk factors.
Is surgery always needed?
Not always. Surgery is the main treatment, but some tumors are watched over time or treated with radiation. The choice depends on the tumor's size, location, and the patient's health.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Glomus jugulare tumor
- PubMed Central (NCBI) - Treatment of Recurrent and Residual Glomus Jugulare Tumors
- PubMed Central (NCBI) - Paragangliomas of the Head and Neck: A Review of the Latest Diagnostic and Treatment Methods
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
