Tumors of the Ear

Tumors can form on the inner or middle ear, causing hearing loss. Ear tumors in the inner ear are called an acoustic neuroma. Tumors in the middle ear are called glomus tumors. These ear tumors are typically benign, but may cause hearing loss. Ear tumors require surgical treatment to ensure symptoms are fully resolved.

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What is an Ear Tumor?

An ear tumor is a growth or mass of abnormal cells that forms inside the ear. While some ear tumors are cancerous, most are benign. Ear tumors may form in any part of the ear–outer, middle, and inner. Middle and inner ear tumors may affect your hearing.

Glomus tumors (middle ear) or acoustic neuromas (inner ear) are benign tumors that can impact both hearing and balance. Glomus tumors and acoustic neuromas are usually addressed with a surgical procedure to remove the tumor through the middle ear or an incision in the skull.

What are the Symptoms of an Ear Tumor?

Depending on the type of tumor and the part of the ear affected, different symptoms may appear. Indications of an ear tumor include the following:

Balance problems
Dizziness
Hearing loss
Discharge from the ear
Bleeding
Ear pain
Sensation of fullness in the ear
In some cases, a bump on the outer part of the ear
Headaches
Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
Pulsating sound in the ear

How are Ear Tumors Treated?

When a benign tumor affects hearing or balance, surgery is usually required to remove it. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The tumor is carefully removed through the middle ear, or through a window incision created in the skull.

A surgical microscope may be used to provide greater visibility. Depending on the size of the tumor, ear tumor surgery typically ranges from four to six hours.

Another method that may be used is Gamma Knife radiosurgery. This is a noninvasive procedure that delivers radiation to the target area. The procedure takes between 20-60 minutes. Gamma Knife radiosurgery may be used alone to slow or stop the growth of the tumor, or as an additional treatment to surgery to help prevent the regrowth of the tumor.

About SFENTA

SFENTA is South Florida’s premier provider of ENT care, offering patients comprehensive treatments designed to help them find lasting relief.
What sets SFENTA apart from other ENT providers is:

Patient-Centered Care

When you visit one of our providers, nothing about your visit will be cookie-cutter. Instead, you’ll receive care that is designed to fit your specific needs and symptoms.

Continuity of Care

We believe that care is complete when all of your symptoms have been addressed and you have found continued relief.

A Network of Highly Trained Physicians

We’ve created a provider network with over 50 highly trained physicians to help ensure our ability to take on any ENT concern.

The Security of a Community Staple

With over 30 locations across the area, you can rest easy knowing our staff is always nearby.

Recovery After Ear Tumor Treatment

After Gamma Knife radiosurgery, you can return home once your treatment is complete. You may experience headaches and nausea during this time. Because Gamma Knife does not require incisions and does not dose the entire brain with radiation, most patients can resume their usual activities and return to work after 1-2 days.

After surgery, most patients will need to spend 3-4 days in the hospital after a surgical procedure so that they can be monitored as they recover and be watched for any signs of side effects.

Once patients return home, there will be about two weeks of downtime while you rest and recuperate. At this point, any sutures or staples will be removed.

After about 4-6 weeks, you will be mostly healed. By then, you will be able to return to work and your daily activities as long as your symptoms are improving and your balance is improving.

Who is a Candidate for Ear Tumor Surgery?

Patients who meet the following requirements are candidates for surgery to address an ear tumor:

Are generally in good health without serious medical concerns
Have a medium or large tumor
Tumor is growing
Are experiencing hearing loss, ear pain, balance problems or other symptoms

Why Choose SFENTA for Ear Tumor Treatment?

South Florida ENT Associates provides experience that stands on than 30 years of success treating patients. We provide state-of-the-art equipment and the most modern techniques to help improve patients’ quality of life and general wellness. Our network of providers excel in every ENT specialty, meaning no matter what your concern is, we can help. Call today to find out more about ear tumor treatment at South Florida ENT Associates.