Benign ear cyst or tumor

• 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:

  • 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 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.