Middle ear adenoma

Middle ear adenomas (MEAs, also known as carcinoid tumors and neuroendocrine adenomas) are distinctly uncommon tumors that affect both sexes equally and occur over a broad age range (14 to 80 years) with an average of about 40 to 45 years. > The most common complaints are unilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and fullness in the ear. Otorrhea and pain are uncommon. On imaging, the tumor is always extraosseous with no evidence of bone destruction. 

FIGURE 9.31 Middle ear adenoma. (H E, xlOO original magnification.)... 

As with middle ear adenomas, ELSTs occur over a broad age range (average = 40 years) and affect both sexes equally. Unilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo are the usual presenting symptoms, occasionally associated with facial nerve paralysis. 

Mills SE, Fechner RE. Middle ear adenoma. A cytologically uniform neoplasm displaying a variety of architectural patterns. Am J Surg Pathol. 1984 8(9) 677-685. 

Gaffey MJ, Mills SE, Fechner RE, et al. Aggressive papillary middle-ear tumor. A clinicopathologic entity distinct from middle-ear adenoma [see comment]. Am J Surg Pathol. 1988 12(10) 790-797. 

Torske KR, Thompson LD. Adenoma versus carcinoid tumor of the middle ear a study of 48 cases and review of the literature. Mod Pathol. 2002 15(5) 543-555. 

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