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Alternative names Return to top
Osteomas; Exostoses; Tumor - ear; Cysts - ear; Ear cysts; Ear tumorsDefinition Return to top
Benign ear cysts are noncancerous lumps or growths within the canal of the ear, pinna, or other parts of the ear.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Sebaceous cysts are the most common 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, 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 Return to top
The symptoms of cysts include:Signs and tests Return to top
Benign cysts and tumors are usually discovered during a routine ear examination. When looking into the ear, the doctor may see cysts or benign tumors that often appear as skin-covered mounds within the ear canal.Treatment Return to top
If the cyst or tumor is not painful and does not interfere with hearing, treatment is not necessary.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Benign ear cysts and tumors are usually slow-growing and may disappear on their own.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call for an appointment with a health care provider if you have symptoms of a benign ear cyst or tumor and there is discomfort, pain, or hearing loss. Update Date: 2/5/2003 Updated by: Edward Chang, MD, DDS, Facial Reconstructive Surgical and Medical Center, Palo Alto California. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |