Radiosurgery for Glomus Jugulare Tumors

Glomus jugulare tumors arise from adventitial chemoreceptor tissue in the jugular bulb. Although histologically benign, these tumors can be locally aggressive because of their proximity to the lower cranial nerves and major vascular structures. Traditional treatment involves microsurgical removal with or without endovascular embolization, but morbidity following total resection can result in injury to the facial and lower cranial nerves. Radiosurgery has recently emerged as a promising alternative to older therapeutic strategies for treatment of glomus jugulare tumors. This article reviews the latest benefits of radiosurgery and demonstrates how this modality represents an effective treatment option for glomus jugulare tumors with excellent tumor control and low risk for morbidity. In addition, this article will detail the role of minimally invasive sub-total resection of glomas jugulare tumors as a surgical complement to gamma knife therapy.