Capillary hemangioma of the tympanic membrane

We report a case of capillary hemangioma of the tympanic membrane in a 51-year-old man with conductive hearing loss, otalgia, and otorrhea. On examination, the external auditory canal was obstructed with a hard, dark red tumor, and purulent discharge was observed. The infection was controlled with antibiotics, but hearing loss persisted. Therefore, transcanal resection was performed. The tumor was attached to the postero-superior quadrant, and arose from the lamina propria. Histologically, the tumor was composed of multiple capillary-sized vessels surrounded by fibrous connective tissue and diagnosed as capillary hemangioma. After surgical treatment, hearing loss was diminished, and there has not been any sign of recurrence for 3 years despite the positive surgical margin.