Hamartoma of the middle ear: a case study.

Hamartomas and teratomas are rare tumors in children. Its location in head and neck is quite exceptional. An unusual case of hamartoma in the middle ear is reported in a 5-month-old child. The tumor was isolated without associated malformation. Definitive diagnosis was made after surgery and based on histological results. At 2 years follow-up, no recurrence was observed. CT-scan is useful in order to reach a final diagnosis. Although rare, this type of tumor should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a middle ear mass during childhood.