Glomus Tumors in the Head and Neck: III. Analysis of Clinical Manifestations

Abstract

Seventy-five patients with glomus tumors in the head and neck had a 37% incidence of cranial nerve paralysis and a 14.6% incidence of intracranial extension. Jugular foramen syndrome is associated with 50% and hypoglossal nerve involvement with 75% posterior fossa tumor invasion. Horner's syndrome is associated with 50% middle cranial fossa tumor invasion. The incidence of central nervous system (CNS) involvement with cranial nerve paralysis (not including VII nerve) is 52%. Otologic findings and VII nerve paralysis did not correlate with tumor resectability, CNS extension, and prognosis.