Chapter 6 - Temporal Bone Tumors

Abstract

The spectrum of temporal bone tumors can be considered to be broad and various, ranging from rather frequent and benign lesions, such as meningioma and vestibulocochlearschwannoma, to rare and malignant lesions, such as sarcomas. These tumors often present a diagnostic challenge to the radiologist on cross-sectional imaging. Imaging is considered to play a crucial role in the diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up of these tumors. Radiologists should be aware of the imaging features of these lesions. This chapter provides an overview of the most common tumors of the temporal bone with respect to anatomic location, typical imaging features, and patterns of spread. More rare lesions are also highlighted.