Benign ear cyst or tumor

Benign ear cyst or tumor

Definition:

A disorder in which there are noncancerous lumps or growths within the canal of the ear, pinna, or other parts of the ear.

Alternative Names:

Osteomas; Exostoses; Tumor - ear; Cysts - ear; Ear cysts; Ear tumors

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Sebaceous cysts are the most common cysts seen in the ear. The are bulging, sac-like collections of dead skin cells and oils produced by the skin glands (oil glands in the skin).

They commonly occur behind the ear, within the ear canal, or 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 excreted out of the gland. If the cysts within the ear canal get infected, they are extremely painful.

Benign bony tumors of the ear canal (exostoses and osteomas) may be caused by an overgrowth of bone. Repeated exposure to cold water may increase the risk of benign tumors of the ear canal. Tumors may grow large enough to block the ear canal, trap wax in the canal, and interfere with hearing.

Symptoms:

Cysts:

small soft skin lumps on, behind, or in front of the ear, usually not painful or tender (unless infected)
cysts within the external ear canal can be extremely painful

Benign tumors:

ear discomfort
gradual hearing loss in one ear (due to blocking of the external auditory canal)

Note: There may be no symptoms.

Signs and tests:

Benign cysts and tumors are usually discovered during a routine ear examination. Inspection of the ear canal may show cysts or benign tumors that often appear as skin-covered mounds within the ear canal.

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

Treatment:

If the cyst or tumor is not painful and does not interfere with hearing, treatment is unnecessary.

If a cyst becomes painful, it may be infected. Treatment may include antibiotics and/or removal of the cyst.

Benign bony tumors may progressively increase in size. If a benign tumor is painful or interferes with hearing, surgical removal of the tumor may be necessary.

Expectations (prognosis):

Benign ear cysts and tumors are usually slow-growing and may resolve spontaneously.

Complications:

infection of cysts
impaction of wax in the ear
hearing loss (if the tumor is large)

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with the health care provider if symptoms indicate benign ear cyst or tumor and there is discomfort, pain, or hearing loss.

Review Date: 8/21/2001
Reviewed By: Ashutosh Kacker, M.D., Department of Otolaryngology, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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