Earliest symptom of glomus tumour is
## **Core Concept**
Glomus tumors, also known as paragangliomas, are rare, usually benign neoplasms arising from the paraganglia. In the ear, they can originate from the middle ear (glomus tympanicum) or the temporal bone (glomus jugulare). The clinical presentation often relates to their location and effect on surrounding structures.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer, **Pulsatile Tinnitus**, is the earliest symptom of glomus tumor due to its vascular nature. Glomus tumors are highly vascular and can cause pulsatile tinnitus by generating abnormal sounds synchronous with the patient's heartbeat. This symptom occurs because the tumor's blood flow affects the nearby structures in the ear, leading to the perception of sound.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** Hearing loss might occur in later stages of glomus tumors due to the destruction or involvement of the structures responsible for hearing, but it is not typically the earliest symptom.
- **Option B:** Aural fullness could be an early symptom but is less specific and can occur with many other conditions, making it less indicative of glomus tumors compared to pulsatile tinnitus.
- **Option C:** Ear discharge is not a characteristic early symptom of glomus tumors; it might occur if there's secondary infection but is not a presenting feature.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key clinical pearl is that **pulsatile tinnitus** is a red flag symptom that warrants further investigation, including imaging, to rule out vascular or neoplastic causes like glomus tumors. This symptom's association with the patient's pulse is particularly suggestive.
## **Correct Answer:** . Pulsatile Tinnitus