Unusual Benign Middle Ear Tumors: How Does the Presentation Differ from Otitis Media?

Abstract

Introduction: Middle ear tumors represents a rare group of neoplasm that vary widely according to their pathology, anatomical involvements and clinical features. They mimic middle ear inflammatory pathologies intricately and hence early definitive diagnosis is a challenge. As these tumors are histologically benign, they are only locally destructive causing vestibular/facial dysfunction.
 Materials and Methods: In this case series, we have included 5 cases of rare middle ear tumors, who presented to our hospital in period of 2020-2023. All patients had a pre-operative examination with otoscope and microscope/otoendoscope. Pre-operative and post-operative hearing assessment done with tuning fork test and pure  tone audiometry.Pre-operative radiological investigation done in all cases.Biopsy was usually taken pre-operatively, however in tumors suspected to be highly vascular an intra-operative sample was sent.
 Results: Mastoidectomy(canal wall up/canal wall down/radical) was performed as definite surgical treatment to achieve maximum clearance.
 Conclusion: Surgery is the treatment of the choice for benign middle ear tumors. High resolution computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are important to determine the extent and to help surgical planning in doubtful vascular tumour. Biopsy is helpful for the differential diagnosis.