What is a Glomus Tumor and How is it Treated?

A glomus tumor that forms in the middle ear is a benign growth that results in a range of negative effects, including hearing loss.

Glomus tumors are addressed with a surgical procedure to remove the tumor. The tumor is carefully removed through an incision in the skull or gently removed through the middle ear itself. 

If the tumor is small enough, it may be addressed with Gamma Knife radiosurgery, which helps to slow or stop its growth. Gamma Knife radiosurgery can also be performed in addition to surgery to help prevent tumor regrowth.

What are the Symptoms of a Glomus Tumor?

The following symptoms may indicate that a glomus tumor is present and requires treatment:

  • Hearing loss
  • Pulsations in the ear
  • A ringing sound
  • Ear pain 
  • Bleeding from the ear
  • Discharge from the ear
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What Happens During the Surgery to Remove a Glomus Tumor?

Surgery begins with general anesthesia. Depending on the position of the tumor, the incision is made in the inner ear or with a window incision in the skull. A piece of bone is taken out, and the tumor is carefully and gently removed. The bone is then replaced. This surgery will generally take 4-6 hours to complete.

What Happens During Gamma Knife Radiosurgery?

Gamma Knife radiosurgery is painless and does not require incisions. This procedure focuses hundreds of radiation beams that precisely target the glomus tumor without dosing the rest of the brain.

Recovery after Gamma Knife radiosurgery is short, lasting for only 1-2 days during a recuperation time at home. During this period of time, expect headaches and nausea.

About Texas ENT Specialists

Texas ENT Specialists provides comprehensive ENT care for all your concerns and conditions. With 15 convenient locations across the greater Houston area, we’re always here when you need us. We pride ourselves on our:

Personalized Treatment

All of your services and treatments will be customized to fit your specific needs. We know that each patient is unique — and your treatment should be, too.

Top-Rated Physician Network

Each of our locations has providers who are board-certified and fellowship-trained, so you can rest assured that you’re in excellent hands.

Centers of Excellence

Our locations are equipped with the latest technology so that we can provide thorough care and deliver a seamless patient experience.

Continuity of Care

Our goal is always long-term relief. We provide treatments with this goal always at the forefront.

Recovery After Glomus Tumor Surgery

After surgery to remove a glomus tumor, patients will spend 3-4 days in the hospital recovering under the monitoring eye of their surgeon and nurses. The surgeon will watch for any complications resulting from the surgery and ensure the healing is going well.

Once patients return home, they will require about two weeks of downtime to complete the healing process. At that point, the staples or sutures will be removed. It will take 4-6 weeks in total for patients to be healing enough to return to work and usual activities or exercise.

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Who is a Candidate for Glomus Tumor Surgery?

Patients with a glomus tumor who are suffering negative effects are generally candidates for surgery. They should meet the following qualifications:

  • Are in good physical health
  • Do not have serious medical concerns
  • Have experiencing loss of hearing, ear pain, or other symptoms
  • The tumor size is medium or large
  • The tumor is growing
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Why Choose Texas ENT Specialists for Glomus Tumor Surgery?

At Texas ENT Specialists, we are proud to offer comprehensive ear, nose, and throat care to patients throughout the state of Texas. We have 15 locations, each staffed with board-certified ENT specialists and surgeons who are dedicated to providing the highest level of patient-centric care. Call today for a consultation to find out more about glomus tumor surgery at Texas ENT Specialists.

With 18 convenient locations across the greater Houston & San Antonio areas, we’re never far away.

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