Secretory otitis media due to a hair-bearing dermoid of the mastoid cavity.

A case of persistent unilateral secretory otitis media occurring in an elderly patient is described. The aetiology of the condition proved to be due to a dermoid lying in the mastoid cavity. The clinical, radiological and histological features are described, with comments as to the association which might have existed linking these two conditions. Comment is made concerning the aetiology of dermoid cysts within the mastoid antrum.