All are true about glomus jugulare tumors except:
**Core Concept**
Glomus jugulare tumors are rare, benign neoplasms originating from the paraganglia of the jugular bulb, a part of the temporal bone. They are also known as non-chromaffin paragangliomas. These tumors are often associated with the jugular bulb and can cause various symptoms due to their location and growth.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Option C is incorrect because glomus jugulare tumors are typically seen in adults, with a peak incidence in the fifth to sixth decade of life. They are rarely seen in infancy. The exact cause of these tumors is still unknown, but they are often associated with genetic mutations and are more common in women.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Glomus jugulare tumors are indeed more common in females, with a female-to-male ratio of approximately 5:1. This is likely due to the influence of estrogen on the growth of these tumors.
**Option B:** Glomus jugulare tumors can cause sensory neural deafness due to their location and growth pattern. They can also cause other symptoms such as pulsatile tinnitus, vertigo, and difficulty swallowing.
**Option D:** Glomus jugulare tumors can invade the labyrinth, petrous pyramid, and mastoid, which can lead to various complications including hearing loss, balance problems, and facial paralysis.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Glomus jugulare tumors are often associated with the jugular bulb and can cause symptoms due to their location and growth. They are more common in females and typically seen in adults, with a peak incidence in the fifth to sixth decade of life.
**β Correct Answer:** C. It is a disease of infancy