Glomus tympanicum: Clinical presentation, management and outcomes

Objective: The objective of the study is to describe the clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of glomus tympanicum (GT) Grade 1–3 (based on Glasscock Jackson staging). Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective chart review of five patients who presented with GT (Grade 1–3) over a period of 4 years to a tertiary hospital. All of them had undergone tumor excision without preoperative embolization. Details of clinical features, diagnostic protocol, surgical approach based on grade of tumor, tumor control, treatment complications, and follow-up results were noted and analyzed. Results: All five patients presented with unilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. Imaging done was magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium of the brain and high-resolution temporal bone computed tomography. Three patients had transmastoid facial recess approach and one had transcanal approach for tumor removal. One patient had canal wall down mastoidectomy. The average follow-up was 34.8 months. Symptomatic improvement in pulsatile tinnitus was observed in all patients. Hearing remained the same in 1 patient and improved in 4 patients. One patient presented with cholesteatoma 1 year postsurgery. None of the patients had recurrence/residual tumor. Conclusions: GT Grades 1–3 can be managed successfully without preoperative embolization. This gives satisfactory results with respect to hearing improvement and recurrence rates.