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

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.

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

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

Images

Ear anatomy

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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)