Giant cell tumors of the jugular foramen.

Objective: To review the diagnosis and treatment of giant cell tumors of the jugular foramen.

Methods: A typical case is reported. Symptoms, signs, and diagnostic studies are reviewed. Photomicrographs and angiographic studies showing the differences between these and glomus jugulare tumors are provided. A coherent approach to their management is presented.

Results: These hypervascular, traditionally radioresistant tumors may cause pulsatile tinnitus, conductive hearing loss, and lower cranial nerve paresis. Angiographic studies showed a hypervascular lesion supplied by numerous small branches of the external carotid artery, making embolization difficult. Complete resection was achieved by an infratemporal fossa approach with preoperative embolization.

Conclusions: Giant cell tumors of the temporal bone may mimic glomus jugulare tumors with respect to anatomic location, cranial nerve deficits, and vascularity.