Mastoid Osteoma - Is "Trauma" A Possible Etiologic Factor

A 19 year old female presented with painful postaural swelling of three years duration with preceding history of trauma. Clinically and radilogically the diagnosis of mastoid osteoma was made. As patient was symptomatic the osteoma was removed and cortical mastoidectomy was done. We emphasise that symptomatic mastoid osteomas must be treated early even if they are small in size to prevent the development of giant osteomas. The case is reported for its rarity with relevant review of literature. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case report in which there is a definitive history of trauma preceding the development of osteoma suggesting its possible role as an inciting factor.