Giant cell tumors of the jugular foramen.

PURPOSE: To review the diagnosis and treatment of giant cell tumors of the jugular foramen.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A typical case is reported. Symptoms, signs, and diagnostic studies are reviewed. Photomicrographs and angiographic studies showing the differences between these and glomus jugulare tumors are provided. A coherent approach to their management is presented.

RESULTS

These hypervascular, traditionally radioresistant tumors may cause pulsatile tinnitus, conductive hearing loss, and lower cranial nerve paresis. Angiographic studies showed a hypervascular lesion supplied by numerous small branches of the external carotid artery, making embolization difficult. Complete resection was achieved by an infratemporal fossa approach with preoperative embolization.

CONCLUSION

Giant cell tumors of the temporal bone may mimic glomus jugulare tumors with respect to anatomic location, cranial nerve deficits, and vascularity.