Glomus jugulare tumor

Definition:
A glomus jugulare tumor is a small, ball-like swelling of a part of the jugular vein (a large vein in the neck) or along Jacobson's nerve in the temporal bone of the skull. Both of these areas contain glomus bodies, which are nerve fibers that normally respond to change in body temperature or blood pressure.

Alternative Names:
Tumor - Jacobson's nerve; Jacobson's nerve tumor; Tumor - temporal bone

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
There are no known risk factors for developing glomus jugulare tumors. The cause is also unknown.


Review Date: 8/4/2002
Reviewed By: Scott Howard, M.D., M.S., Memphis, TN. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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