More precisely known as paragangliomas, “glomus” tumors are generally benign tumors, slow growing but very vascular. Glomus tumors initially appear in part of the temporal bone of the skull. The causes of glomus tumors are not fully understood; however, genetic factors are suspected. This type of tumor is not passed down from generation to generation, but can appear in any person at any time in their life. Glomus tumors can develop due to certain mutations which then lead to these benign growths. A glomus tumor appears as a rounded mass contained entirely within the middle ear and may in some cases be hidden behind the eardrum. The tumor will cause symptoms such as hearing loss or problems, ringing or burning pain in the ear, dizziness, or weakness in facial movements. These symptoms are caused by the mass effect of the tumor in small spaces (the ear), high blood flow, and invasion of adjacent structures in the middle ear. Also, the tumor itself may be visible in the ear. Glomus tumors can affect the ear, upper neck, base of the skull, and surrounding blood vessels and nerves. “Glomus tumors occur with an estimated annual incidence of 1 case per 1.3 million people” (Pluta) and these tumors are found more often in women than in men. Although they are benign and slow growing, glomus tumors are the most common tumor of the middle ear. A glomus tumor initially develops in the temporal bone of the skull, in an area called the jugular foramen. The jugular foramen is also where the jugular vein and several important nerves exit the skull. The walls of the jugular foramen are formed anterolaterally by the petrous bone and posteromedially by the occipital bone. This area contains nerve fibers, called corpus glomus... middle of paper ...... hopes of achieving full hearing and low risks of complete hearing loss. In summary, glomus tumors are generally benign and slow growing. Vascular tumors that tend to appear in the temporal bone. Some tumors may even be visible in a person's ear and cause ear pain, dizziness, or hearing loss. Some patients with glomus tumor may have partial or complete hearing loss; However, the sooner a treatment option is decided, the better the patient's chances of regaining full hearing. Tumor treatment choices include: observation, radiation therapy, or surgery. Depending on several aspects, surgery is the most effective treatment plan and can completely remove the tumor. The goal of treatment is to provide as much hearing as possible. Glomus tumors are unpredictable and apparently rare, but are the most common tumor of the middle ear..