Glomus Tumor

Glomus tympanicum tumors grow in the middle ear. This type of tumor is noncancerous, but without treatment, a glomus tumor may grow into the middle ear and brain and cause serious medical concerns, even becoming life threatening. Our specialists at The Barranco Clinic provide surgical treatment to remove a glomus tumor.

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What is a Glomus Tumor?

A glomus tumor of the ear is a benign growth that forms in the middle ear. This type of tumor can cause a number of symptoms, including a loss of hearing. Glomus tumors can be addressed with a surgical procedure to remove the tumor through an incision in the skull, or through the middle ear itself. A glomus tumor may also be addressed with Gamma Knife radiosurgery to help ensure the tumor does not regrow. If the tumor is small enough, it may be addressed with Gamma Knife surgery alone to slow or prevent growth.

What are the Symptoms of a Glomus Tumor?

A glomus tumor causes a number of symptoms that indicate action is required, including the following:

A loss of hearing
Pulsations or a ringing sound in the ear
Pain in the ear
Bleeding or discharge from the ear

How is a Glomus Tumor Treated?

The surgery to remove a glomus tumor is performed under general anesthesia. Depending on your unique case, the incision may be made in the inner ear. A piece of bone is taken out, and the tumor is carefully removed. The bone is then replaced. The incision may also be made with a window incision in the skull, allowing the tumor to be removed through this space. Your surgery will generally take 4-6 hours to complete.

Gamma Knife radiosurgery may be performed to follow up your surgery to help prevent the regrowth of the tumor. If the tumor is small enough or not yet causing serious concern, Gamma Knife radiosurgery may be used instead of a surgical procedure to slow or stop the growth of the tumor. This procedure is painless and requires no incision. Gamma Knife radiosurgery uses hundreds of highly focused radiation beams that precisely target the glomus tumor.

Your Treatment With The Barranco Clinic

Throughout our time in South Florida, we’ve continued to grow. Today we have a network of providers and 5 locations. Our dedicated team of professionals has made it their mission to provide quality, comprehensive ENT care to each patient that visits. This is achieved through:

Providing Patient-Centered Care

Each appointment includes one-on-one care with one of our highly-trained physicians, ensuring each of your symptoms receives the time and attention they deserve.

A Network of Highly Trained Physicians

With a network of skilled physicians, we’ve ensured we’re prepared to help address a wide range of ENT symptoms and conditions at each of our five locations.

Continuity of Care

Our staff strives for care that provides you with lasting relief from the symptoms that get in the way of doing what you love.

Offering the Security of a Community Staple

After helping patients across Florida for many years, and are proud to be members of the community.

Recovery After Glomus Tumor Surgery

If surgery was not required, and only Gamma Knife radiosurgery was used, you will be able to return home once the procedure is complete. Expect headaches and nausea for 1-2 days, which will then fade. Once these side effects have passed, you will be able to return to your usual routine and work.

If you had surgery to remove the glomus tumor, you will spend 3-4 days in the hospital afterward. As you recover, you will be monitored to ensure no serious complications or side effects are occurring.

Once you return home, you will need about two weeks of downtime to rest. After this period of time, the sutures or staples will be removed. Within 4-6 weeks, you will be healed enough to return to work and your routine activities. Your surgeon will ensure your symptoms are improving and you’re healed enough before giving you clearance for strenuous activity.

Who is a Candidate for Glomus Tumor Surgery?

Patients with a glomus tumor who are suffering negative effects are generally candidates for surgery. They should meet the following qualifications:

Are in good physical health
Do not have serious medical concerns
Have experiencing loss of hearing, ear pain, or other symptoms
The tumor is medium or large-sized
The tumor is growing

Why Choose The Barranco Clinic for Glomus Tumor Treatment?

The Barranco Clinic is a state-of-the-art practice that has been providing quality care for patients for over five decades. Our board-certifed providers are top doctors who are dedicated to helping improve the quality of life for their patients and achieving lasting relief. We provide doctor who focus in every ENT specialty, ensuring your tumor will be treated by a specialist who is highly trained and experienced. Call today for a consultation to find out more about glomus tumor treatment at The Barranco Clinic.