Inflammatory pseudotumor of the temporal bone: a case series

Inflammatory pseudotumor is a non-neoplastic inflammatory process. Histologically these lesions appear as an inflammatory infiltrate with a fibrotic background. Clinical presentations vary from slow growth with minimal mass effect, to bony destruction that can mimic malignancy. Although they occur most commonly in the orbit, there are a growing number of case reports of tumors of the temporal bone and skull base. Inflammatory pseudotumors of the temporal bone are best treated by excision, with radiation and steroid therapy reserved for inoperable tumors. The clinical, histologic, and radiographic features of two patients with inflammatory pseudotumor of the temporal bone are presented.