In these cases, the tumor is more dificult to remove and radical surgery is necessary. If the glomus tumor fills the middle ear space, hearing loss becomes a prominent symptom. However, in small glomus tumors of the middle ear, hearing can be quite normal and there may be no symptoms at all. The tumor itself is often identified on routine exam as being a red spot behind the eardrum. The size and extent of the glomus tumor of the middle ear can be well assessed by microscopic examination.
Additional examinations are necessary to define the tumor.
Imaging Studies of Glomus Tumors Imaging studies, including a CT scanning, MRI scanning and MR angiography, should be obtained to determine the limits and extent of any glomus tumors. It is necessary to differentiate between a glomus tumor limited to the middle ear, and a glomus tumor arising from the jugular vein. At the time of initial examination of the ear, the two may be indistinguishable. They are classified by area and degree of involvement. Glomus Jugulare a.