Management of benign middle ear tumors: A series of 7 cases

Benign middle ear tumors represent a rare group of neoplasms that vary widely in their pathology, anatomy, and clinical findings. These factors have made it difficult to establish guidelines for the resection of such tumors. Here we present 7 unique cases of these rare and diverse tumors and draw from our experience to recommend optimal surgical management. Based on our experience, a postauricular incision is necessary in nearly all cases. Mastoidectomy is required for tumors that extend into the mastoid cavity. Whenever exposure or hemostasis is believed to be inadequate with simple mastoidectomy, canal-wall-down mastoidectomy should be performed. Finally, disarticulation of the ossicular chain greatly facilitates tumor excision and should be performed early in the procedure.