Temporal Bone Tumors: An Imaging Update

In their variety, temporal bone tumors mirror the complexity of the structure from which they arise. They include more familiar lesions, such as vestibular schwannomas and paragangliomas, and also rarer neoplasms, such as nonvestibular schwannomas, sarcomas, giant cell tumors, Schneiderian papillomas, and endolymphatic sac tumors. Diagnostic imaging is invaluable in evaluating such lesions because they are typically challenging to access surgically and monitor clinically. The ability to differentiate tumors from benign ('don't touch') or indolent lesions can prevent unnecessary morbidity. This article reviews a range of temporal bone neoplasms, focusing on imaging approaches and characteristic imaging findings.