Introduction
Glomus tympanicum is a type of benign tumor classified under a group of
tumors known as paragangliomas. Such tumors can occur at any site within
the body. It is the most common primary neoplasm of the middle ear, and
the second most common tumor of the temporal bone [1]. Most common
presentation of a glomus tympanicum is pulsatile tinnitus and conductive
hearing loss [2]. Occasionally symptoms may include otalgia or
generalize facial pain.
Although these lesions are histologically benign, they tend to be slow
growing, locally destructive, spread along the path of least resistance
[2].
Glomus tympanicum Glasscock-Jackson classification includes type 1 which
is a small mass limited to promontory, type 2 which is tumor completely
filling middle ear space, type 3 which is tumor filling middle ear and
extending into mastoid, and type 4 which is tumor filling middle ear,
extending into mastoid or through tympanic membrane to fill external
auditory canal, and may extend anterior to carotid. [3].
In this case report, we highlight an unusual and rare presentation of an
extensive glomus tympanicum tumor with a coexisting atticoantral
cholesteatoma.