n. a tumour, related to *phaeochromocytoma, arising from *paraganglion cells. Such tumours can occur around the aorta, the carotid artery (carotid body tumour), and the cervical portion of the vagus nerve (*glomus tumour), as well as in the abdomen and the eye. They are usually benign and treated by surgery, but occasionally can be malignant, requiring systemic treatment.
a small mass of tissue in the carotid sinus containing *chemoreceptors that monitor levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen ions in the blood. If the oxygen level falls, the chemoreceptors send impulses to the cardiac and respiratory centres in the brain, which promote increases in heart and respiration rates. It can give rise to carotid body tumours, which are a form of *paraganglioma.... carotid body
1. a benign tumour arising from *paraganglion cells associated with the vagus or glossopharyngeal nerves in the neck (see paraganglioma). In the middle ear they are called glomus tympanicum tumours; around the jugular vein they are called glomus jugulare tumours. 2. (glomangioma) a harmless but often painful tumour produced by malformation and overgrowth of a *glomus, usually in the skin at the ends of the fingers or toes. It may be cauterized or removed surgically.... glomus tumour
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