Transcranial approach to jugular paragangliomas

Glomus jugulare paragangliomas are a group of rare benign tumors originating from paraganglion cells of the parasympathetic nervous system and are usually hypervascular and slow growing, invading the temporal bone as they grow and may invade the intracranial space. Complete surgical removal is the preferred treatment especially in young, healthy individual and has been reported to be achieved in up to 80% of patients. However, radiosurgery has become a valuable treatment option in small tumor, in elderly patient, and as a complimentary treatment for surgery in large tumor invading the intracranial space. Complex transcranial skull base approaches are required for large tumors invading the middle and upper part of petrous bone, extending into the petroclival region and compressing the brainstem.