middle ear mass

• glomus tumor (multiple in 10%; 8% malignant)
  • glomus tympanicum
    • from cochlear promontory
    • seldom erodes bone
  • glomus jugulare
    • invasion of middle ear from below
    • destruction of bony roof of jugular fossa and bony spur separating vein from carotid artery
• abberant carotid artery (no bony margin)
• enlarged jugular bulb (dehiscent bony covering)
• cholesteatoma
• rhabdomyosarcoma (orbit > nasopharynx > ear)
• adenocarcinoma (rare)

© 2002, C.E. Kahn, Jr.
2002-04-18