Mishal Shan6 months ago

The Rising Sun Sign

A red mass can be appreciated behind the eardrum which gives the appearance of a rising sun. This is a feature of the glomus tumour of the middle ear. It is a benign tumour made up of paraganglionic cells and in the middle ear, arises either from the jugular bulb or on the promontory along the branch of glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX). It is highly vascular and pulsates. An audible bruit can also be appreciated over the mastoid or in the nasopharynx. Cranial nerves may be affected as a late feature. Treatment involves surgical removal of the tumour, radiation or embolization of its feeding vessels. The latter two have a main role in reducing the tumour's vascularity prior to surgery. Image via: hawkelibrary.com