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

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.

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

Images

Ear anatomy

Previous Section

Benign ear cyst or tumor Overview

Next Section

Benign ear cyst or tumor Treatment

Review Date: 08/03/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)