Carcinoid tumors of the middle ear

Carcinoid tumors of the middle ear are rare lesions that represent a class within the spectrum of adenomatous neoplasms. We present four cases that were diagnosed and treated at our institution since 1973, and review the pool of 12 cases in regard to their presentation, symptomatology, physical examination, audiometric and radiographic evaluations, operative procedure and findings, histopathology, and postoperative course. Successful treatment of these low-grade malignancies requires complete excision of the tumor mass, along with the ossicles if they are involved with disease, in order to prevent local recurrence. Although locally invasive, these tumors have a low propensity for distant metastasis. The diagnosis of carcinoid tumor should be considered in all cases of adenomatous neoplasms of the middle ear and mastoid.