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Ear Tumors

Causes, Incidence &

Risk Factors


Sebaceous cysts are the most common type of cysts seen in the ear. They are bulging, sac-like
collections of dead skin cells and oils produced by oil glands in the skin.
 
They commonly occur:

  • Behind the ear
  • In the ear canal
  • In the earlobe
  • On the scalp
     

The exact cause is unknown, but cysts may occur when oils are produced in a skin gland faster
than they can be released from the gland.
 
Benign bony tumors of the ear canal (exostoses and osteomas) may be caused by excess growth
of bone. Repeated exposure to cold water may increase the risk of benign bony tumors of the ear
canal.

Symptoms

  • Pain (if cysts are in the outside ear canal or get infected)
  • Small soft skin lumps on, behind, or in front of the ear
  • Ear discomfort
  • Gradual hearing loss in one ear
  • Repeated outer ear infections
  • NOTE: There may be no symptoms
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Signs & Tests

Benign cysts and tumors are usually discovered during a routine ear examination, which can include hearing tests (audiometry) and middle ear testing (tympanometry). When looking into the ear, the doctor may see cysts or benign tumors in the ear canal. Sometimes, a CT scan is needed.
 
This disease may also affect the results of the following tests:

  • Caloric stimulation
  • Electronystagmography

 

Treatment

If the cyst or tumor is not painful and does not interfere with hearing, treatment is not necessary.
 
If a cyst becomes painful, it may be infected. Treatment may include antibiotics or removal of the cyst.
 
Benign bony tumors may progressively increase in size. If a benign tumor is painful, interferes with hearing, or leads to frequent ear infections, surgery to remove the tumor may be necessary.
 
Benign ear cysts and tumors are usually slow growing and may disappear on their own.

Complications

  • Hearing loss if the tumor is large
  • Infection of the cysts
  • Infection of the ear canal
  • Wax trapped in the ear canal

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