[Glomus tumor of the temporal bone].

A case story describing the typical symptoms and course of a glomus tumour of the temporal bone is presented. The most frequent symptoms are pulsatile tinnitus, unilateral hearing loss, aural fullness and paresis of the vagal nerve or other lower cranial nerves. The tumour is frequently visible by otoscopy. Despite being histologically benign, the tumour is infiltrative and may affect the surrounding cranial nerves or spread into the cranial cavity. The early signs and findings are vague. Since the sequelae are fewer when the tumour is treated while it is small, an increased awareness will be of benefit to the patients.