Radiation therapy in the management of chemodectomas in Nigeria

Chemodectomas constitute a very rare group of tumours. They have been described at various sites in the body and their management, particularly the glomus jugulare tumours is of interest, as surgery in some cases may be hazardous and possibly fatal as a result of severe haemorrhage associated with these tumours. Radiotherapy has been advocated as the treatment of choice particularly for the glomus jugulare tumour. Our experience in the management of this rare group of tumours seen at the only Radiotherapy Unit in Nigeria between 1975 and 1979 is analysed. Radiation therapy techniques, doses given and complications noticed are analysed. There was complete control of the disease in four out of four (100%) of the cases at 1 year and three out of four (75%) at 3 years. Results from other reports in the literature are reviewed.