A disorder in which there are noncancerous lumps or growths within the canal of the ear, pinna, or other parts of the ear.

Alternative Names

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

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Sebaceous cysts are the most common cysts seen in the ear. The are bulging, sac-like collections of dead skin cells and oils produced by the skin glands (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.

Signs and tests

Benign cysts and tumors are usually discovered during a routine ear examination. Inspection of the ear canal may show cysts or benign tumors that often appear as skin-covered mounds within the ear canal. This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

electronystagmography

caloric stimulation

Treatment

If the

cyst or tumor is not painful and does not interfere with hearing, treatment is unnecessary. If a cyst becomes painful, it may be infected. Treatment may include antibiotics and/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 resolve spontaneously.

Complications

infection of

cysts

impaction

of

wax in the ear

hearing loss

(if the

tumor is large)

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with the health care provider if symptoms indicate benign ear cyst or tumor and there is discomfort, pain, or hearing loss .