Assessment of Target definition based on Multimodality Imaging for Radiosurgical Management of Glomus Jugulare Tumors (gjts)

Abstract

Glomus jugulare tumors (GJTs), also referred to as chemodectomas or paragangliomas are typically benign, highly vascular tumors which are derived from the paraganglionic cells [1-5]. While GJTs arise from the glomus bodies found along the Jacobson nerve (tympanic branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve) or Arnold nerve (auricular branch of the vagus nerve) located within the jugular foramen, glomus tympanicum tumors arise from glomus bodies found along the Jacobson nerve located within the middle ear and cochlear promontory. These rare and highly vascular tumors typically follow an indolent disease course with a low tendency for metastatic spread, however, a wide spectrum of symptoms including pulsatile tinnitus, otalgia, ear fullness, headache, vertigo, dizziness, dysphagia, dysphonia, conductive or sensorineural hearing loss may occur in the setting of mass effect or invasion of nearby critical structures such as the internal carotid artery, jugular bulb, or lower cranial nerves [1-6].