Teratoma of the middle ear

Teratomas are true tumours derived from ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm, which differentiate into identifiable tissues and organs. Teratomas of the temporal bone are exceedingly rare, but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a temporal bone mass at birth or during childhood. We present a case of a temporal bone teratoma involving the middle ear, judge the imaging capabilities of computed tomography in the diagnosis, and review the literature.