Glomus vagale tumors

Eighteen patients with glomus vagale tumors treated by surgical resection are reviewed. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are diagnostic. Arteriography is used to determine multicentric tumors. The incidence of multicentric tumors in this series was 40%. Adequate surgical exposure is necessary for removal of the tumor without injury to the carotid artery. Vagal paralysis was present in all cases postoperatively and resulted in dysphagia and aspiration. Cricopharyngeal myotomy and Teflon injection aided in rehabilitation of deglutition. Curability with surgery is high, but radiation therapy is recommended in selected patients.