Neuroendocrine adenoma middle ear

[7][8] Patients come to clinical attention with unilateral (one sided) hearing loss, usually associated with decreased auditory acuity, and particularly conductive hearing loss if the ossicular bone chain (middle ear bones) is involved.

At the time of otoscopic exam, the tympanic membrane is usually intact, with a fluid level or mass noted behind the ear drum.

In general, an axial and coronal bone computed tomography study without contrast will yield the most information for this tumor.

Bone invasion and destruction are usually not seen in this tumor which expands within the mesotympanum (middle ear cavity).

There may be an irregular margin at the periphery, especially if the tumor has been present for a long time, with associated bone remodeling.

[2] It is possible to see intracytoplasmic as well as luminal mucinous material highlighted by a Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) or Alcian blue stain.

[12] From a pathology perspective, several tumors need to be considered in the differential diagnosis, including paraganglioma, ceruminous adenoma, metastatic adenocarcinoma, and meningioma.

Patients experience an excellent long term outcome, although recurrences can be seen (up to 15%),[2] especially if the ossicular chain is not removed.