Current perspectives in the management of glomus jugulare tumors.

Glomus jugulare tumors are benign but locally aggressive tumors. Their location, spread to adjacent areas and biological behavior have been extensively studied and reported. However, controversy exists regarding the role of surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery. The optimal plan of management of the tumor in close proximity to the facial and lower cranial nerves, the internal carotid and vertebral arteries, the venous sinuses, and the neuraxis is still nebulous. This review will discuss the differing viewpoints and attempts to propose a rational strategy in dealing with these tumors.