Tumors of the Ear

Hearing loss, balance problems and other concerns can be caused by tumors that form on the inner or middle ear. Tumors that grow on the middle ear are called glomus tumors. Tumors in the inner ear are called acoustic neuromas.These types of ear tumors are generally benign, but large or growing tumors require surgical treatment to ensure the symptoms are fully resolved.

Find Your ENT Request Appointment

What is an Ear Tumor?

An ear tumor forms when a growth or mass of abnormal cells develop and grow. Ear tumors can form in any part of the ear–the outer, inner, or middle. Some ear tumors are cancerous, but most are benign. Tumors in the middle and inner ear may affect your hearing.

Glomus tumors that are located in the middle ear and acoustic neuromas that are located in the inner ear are benign. However, they can cause a number of negative symptoms, and impact both hearing and balance. To address glomus tumors and acoustic neuromas, a surgical procedure is usually required to remove it. Gamma Knife radiosurgery may be performed if the tumor is not too large or not significantly growing.

Man and woman in the kitchen tasting a sauce

What are the Symptoms of a Middle or Inner Ear Tumor?

Depending on the type of tumor and the part of the ear affected, different symptoms may appear. Indications of an ear tumor include the following:

Lack of balance or dizziness
Loss of hearing
Discharge or bleeding from the ear
Ear pain
A full sensation in the ear
Headaches
Ringing in the ear
A pulsating sound in the ear
A bump on the outer part of the ear

How are Ear Tumors Treated?

Ear tumors may be treated with Gamma Knife radiosurgery if the tumor is not too large and is not causing severe symptoms. When an ear tumor affects hearing or balance and is causing concern due to size and growth, surgery is required to remove it. Gamma Knife radiosurgery may be combined with surgery to help ensure the tumor does not regrow.

Ear tumor surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The tumor is removed carefully through an incision in the middle ear or through a window incision created in the skull. A surgical microscope may be used for greater visibility and precision. Ear tumor surgery takes between 4-6 hours, depending on the size of the tumor.

During Gamma Knife radiosurgery, no incisions are required. The procedure takes between 20-60 minutes to deliver radiation to the tumor. The entire brain is not dosed, only the tumor. This treatment may be performed alone in certain cases, or in addition to the surgical procedure to help prevent the regrowth of the tumor or to stop or slow the growth of the tumor.

Your Treatment With Florida ENT Associates

Throughout our time in South Florida, we’ve continued to grow. Today we have a network of providers and 5 locations. Our dedicated team of professionals has made it their mission to provide quality, comprehensive ENT care to each patient that visits. This is achieved through:

Providing Patient-Centered Care

Each appointment includes one-on-one care with one of our highly-trained physicians, ensuring each of your symptoms receives the time and attention they deserve.

A Network of Highly Trained Physicians

With a network of skilled physicians, we’ve ensured we’re prepared to help address a wide range of ENT symptoms and conditions at each of our five locations.

Continuity of Care

Our staff strives for care that provides you with lasting relief from the symptoms that get in the way of doing what you love.

Offering the Security of a Community Staple

After helping patients across Florida for many years, and are proud to be members of the community.

Recovery After Ear Tumor Treatment

Gamma Knife radiosurgery requires a very short recovery period, as there are no incisions. Once your treatment is complete, you can return home. For the following 1-2 days, you will likely experience headaches and nausea. Most patients are comfortable returning to their work or usual activities once these effects subside.

After a surgical procedure to remove an ear tumor, you will spend 3-4 days in the hospital, where your doctor will monitor your recovery and watch for any signs of concerning side effects. After this period, you will be able to return home. Expect about two weeks of downtime for rest and recuperation as your ear heals. After two weeks, any sutures or staples will be removed.

In most cases, patients are healed after about 4-6 weeks. You will be able to return to your work and usual daily routine as long as your symptoms of hearing loss and lack of balance are improving.

Who is a Candidate for Ear Tumor Surgery?

Patients with an ear tumor who meet the following requirements are candidates for surgery:

Are generally in good health without serious medical concerns
Are not taking or can stop taking blood-thinning medications such as aspirin
The ear tumor is medium or large-sized
The ear tumor is growing
Are experiencing symptoms such as hearing loss, problems with balance, pain, or other symptoms

Why Choose Florida ENT Associates for Ear Tumor Treatment?

Florida ENT Associates has provided top-quality, advanced care and surgical procedures for patients across Central Florida for more than 50 years. Our providers are a talented and dedicated team of board-certified providers who make patients their priority. Their goal is to help patients find lasting relief and wellness in an understanding, professional environment.