Glomus jugulare tumors are rare tumors that commonly involve, the middle ear, temporal bone, and lower cranial nerves. Resection, embolization, and radiation therapy have been the mainstays of treatment. Despite these therapies, tumor control can be difficult to achieve particularly without undo risk of patient morbidity and mortality.

     We assess the effect of the Gamma knife radiosurgery documenting the clinical and radiological outcome.

     A retrospective review identified 9 patients with glomus jugulare tumors who underwent Gamma knife radiosurgery.

       Besides analysis of clinical outcome, a radiological volumetric analysis was also performed after treatment.

     There were 6 women and 3 men, (average age, 62.4 years) with a mean follow-up period of 31.4 months. The mean radiosurgical dose to the tumor margin was 13.3 Gy (range, 12 - 15 Gy). 6 Patients( 66.7 %) improved clinically, and 3 ( 33.3 %) were unchanged. Analysis of tumor volume at the time of the last magnetic resonanu imaging scan recorded a decrease in 6 patients, and no change in 3 patients.

     This was a retrospective study.

     Gamma knife surgery would seem to afford effective local control and preserves neurological function in patients with glomus jugulare tumors.

     Longer follow-up periods are required to assess long-term effects.