Health Encyclopedia

Benign ear cyst or tumor

Definition

Benign ear cysts are noncancerous lumps or growths in 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 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 tumors of the ear canal.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cysts include:

Pain (if cysts are in the outside ear canal or get infected)
Small soft skin lumps on, behind, or in front of the ear

The symptoms of benign tumors include:

Ear discomfort
Gradual hearing loss in one ear

Note: There may be no symptoms.

Signs and 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:

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 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 disappear on their own.

Complications

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

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have:

Symptoms of a benign ear cyst or tumor
Discomfort, pain, or hearing loss

Review Date:10/10/2008
Reviewed By:Alan Lipkin, MD, Otolaryngologist, Private Practice, Denver, Colorado. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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