IV. Multiple glomus tumors in the head and neck

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).