Glomus jugulare tumor: Tumor control and complications after stereotactic radiosurgery

Background We evaluated toxicity and long‐term efficacy of stereotactic radiosurgery in patients with symptomatic or progressive glomus jugulare tumors. Methods Twenty‐five consecutive patients (age, 30–88 years; 17 women, 8 men) who underwent stereotactic radiosurgery with the Leksell Gamma Knife (dose, 12–18 Gy) were prospectively followed. MRI and clinical examinations were performed at 6 months and 1, 2, and 3 years, and then every 2 years. Results None of the tumors increased in size, 17 were stable, and 8 decreased (median imaging follow‐up, 35 months; range, 10–113 months). Symptoms subsided in 15 patients (60%); vertigo occurred in 1, but balance improved with vestibular training (median clinical follow‐up, 37 months; range, 11–118 months). No other new or progressive neuropathy of cranial nerves V–XII developed. Conclusions Stereotactic radiosurgery can achieve excellent tumor control with low risk of morbidity in the treatment of glomus jugulare tumors. The lower cranial nerves can safely tolerate a radiosurgical dose of 12 to 18 Gy. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 24: 332–339, 2002; DOI 10.1002/hed.10005