Hybrid embolization and radiosurgery for glossopharyngeal glomus tumour: A successful case report

Abstract

Introduction: Tumours of the glossopharyngeal nerve are extremely rare, posing a challenge in diagnosis and treatment. These tumours can cause a variety of neurological symptoms, including sore throat, numbness of the tongue, decreased sensitivity, and changes in taste, difficulty swallowing, and dizziness. Due to their rarity, there is no standardised treatment protocol, and the approach is often tailored to the individual patient.

Aim: To present a rare case of glomus tumour of the glossopharyngeal nerve, and that the hybrid method of embolisation and radiosurgery proved to be a successful treatment.

Case description: We present the case of a 31-year-old female patient who came to the Emergency Centre due to excruciating headaches, vomiting and loss of taste and tingling in the tongue. After a detailed neurological examination and MRI diagnostics, a glossopharyngeal nerve tumour was discovered in the jugular foramen region. Due to the tumour's proximity to vital structures, surgical resection would have been high-risk. Therefore, it was decided to apply a hybrid approach, combining embolisation and radiosurgery. MRI scans showed a decrease in the size of the tumour. The patient was monitored regularly, and the results remained stable.

Conclusion: Hybrid treatment with embolisation and radiosurgery represents an effective option for the treatment of rare tumours of the glossopharyngeal nerve. This combination allows for the reduction of symptoms, reduction of tumour size, and improvement in patients' quality of life. Further research is needed to determine the optimal treatment protocols for these rare tumours.