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Abstract:
Twenty glomus jugulare tumors which received x-ray therapy are analyzed. Postirradiation angiography showed persistent tumor vessels and abnormal channels in eight patients. Histologic study of five postirradiation specimens showed that tumor cells persisted after treatment in a significant proportion of the patients. Vascular response was nonuniform and consisted of endothelial hyperplasia and subendothelial hyalinization. Radiotherapy is not always effective in the permanent eradication of the tumor when used as the only modality of treatment in patients with large glomus jugulare tumors. Because of the frequent recurrence after irradiation or surgical resection, a combination of both modalities offers the patient the best probability of cure.
Insights
X-ray therapy alone is often ineffective for large glomus jugulare tumors, with persistent tumor cells and vessels observed post-treatment. Combining radiotherapy with surgery offers the best chance for a cure in these cases.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Glomus jugulare tumors are rare, hypervascular neoplasms.
- Treatment of large glomus jugulare tumors remains challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of x-ray therapy in treating glomus jugulare tumors.
- To determine the outcomes of radiotherapy as a sole treatment modality.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of twenty glomus jugulare tumors treated with x-ray therapy.
- Postirradiation angiography to assess tumor vascularity.
- Histologic examination of postirradiation tumor specimens.
Main Results:
- Persistent tumor vessels and abnormal channels were noted in 8 of 20 patients via angiography.
- Histologic analysis revealed persistent tumor cells in a significant proportion of specimens.
- Nonuniform vascular response included endothelial hyperplasia and subendothelial hyalinization.
Conclusions:
- Radiotherapy alone is not always effective for permanent eradication of large glomus jugulare tumors.
- Tumor recurrence is common after irradiation or surgical resection.
- A combined approach of radiotherapy and surgery offers the best probability of cure.