Chemodectomas Involving the Temporal Bone

In a series of 19 patients with chemodectoma, 2 were treated surgically and 17 received radiotherapy. Sixteen of the 17 patients who received radiotherapy after biopsy or partial excision are without evidence of tumor progression 4–18 years following treatment. A tumor dose of 4,500–5,000 rads in 4 1/2–5 weeks yields excellent control of tumor growth and is within the tolerance of surrounding brain tissue.