Floyd Buen1, Chia-Huei Chu2, Akira Ishiyama3. 1. Department of Head & Neck Surgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA. 2. Department of Otolaryngology- Head & Neck Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan; Department of Otolaryngology, National Yang Ming University School of Medicine, Taiwan. 3. Department of Head & Neck Surgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA. Electronic address: ishiyama@ucla.edu.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of middle ear lipoma, review the current literature, and discuss the surgical approach. METHODS: Published case reports in the English literature of lipomas restricted to the middle ear were reviewed. The presentation, location, and management of the middle ear lipomas were analyzed. RESULTS: Histological examination of the resected middle ear lesion was compatible with lipoma. Review of the literature suggests middle ear lipomas are rare and involve the epitympanum. CONCLUSION: Lipomas should be included in the differential diagnosis for middle ear lesions. Adequate surgical exposure can be achieved through a transcanal approach, with particular attention to carefully elevate the tympanic membrane off the malleus, preserving the integrity of the ossicular chain.
OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of middle ear lipoma, review the current literature, and discuss the surgical approach. METHODS: Published case reports in the English literature of lipomas restricted to the middle ear were reviewed. The presentation, location, and management of the middle ear lipomas were analyzed. RESULTS: Histological examination of the resected middle ear lesion was compatible with lipoma. Review of the literature suggests middle ear lipomas are rare and involve the epitympanum. CONCLUSION:Lipomas should be included in the differential diagnosis for middle ear lesions. Adequate surgical exposure can be achieved through a transcanal approach, with particular attention to carefully elevate the tympanic membrane off the malleus, preserving the integrity of the ossicular chain.