Eight of 76 glomus tumors in the head and neck region are multiple. The most common association is with carotid body tumors; the most common pattern is an ipsilateral glomus tympanicum and carotid body tumor. The approach to clinical evaluation is based on a complete otolaryngologic, neurologic, and neuroradiologic evaluation of all patients with glomus tumors. The rationale for priorities in management is the resection of the most dangerous lesions first. This study confirms the previous observations that glomus tumors have a definite proclivity for multicentricity (10 percent) and a high incidence for other associated malignancies (8 percent).

Seventy-five patients with glomus tumors in the head and neck had a 37% incidence of cranial nerve paralysis and a 14.6% incidence of intracranial extension. Jugular foramen syndrome is associated with 50% and hypoglossal nerve involvement with 75% posterior fossa tumor invasion. Horner's syndrome is associated with 50% middle cranial fossa tumor invasion. The incidence of central nervous system (CNS) involvement with cranial NERVE PARALYSIS (NOT INCLUDING VII nerve) is 52%. Otologic findings and VII nerve paralysis did not correlate with tumor resectability, CNS extension, and prognosis.

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Seventy-six patients with glomus tumors were evaluated. The incidenc- of cranial nerve paralysis in 37 percent and the incidence of intracranial extension is 14.6 percent. Jugular foramen syndrome is associated with 50 percent, and hypoglossal nerve involvement with 75 percent incidence of posterior fossa extension. Horner's syndrome is associated with 50 percent of middle cranial fossa invasion. The incidence of CNS tumor involvement with cranial nerve paralysis (not including VIIth nerve) is 52 percent.

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