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Adenomatous tumors of the middle ear and mastoid
Author(s) -
Derlacki Eugene L.,
Barney Philip L.
Publication year - 1976
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1288/00005537-197608000-00004
Subject(s) - middle ear , adenoma , medicine , pathology , adenocarcinoma , anatomy , cancer
Three cases of middle ear and mastoid neoplasms are reported as “adenomatous tumors” since in their search of the literature the authors did not find any previously described lesions with a similar histologic appearance and benign biologic behavior. Microscopically, all three tumors are similarly composed of solid cords and nests of closely‐packed small cells having an epithelial appearance. Two distinct cell types are present: cuboidal cells, arranged in a rudimentary gland‐like pattern, and angular cells forming irregular nests with no distinct pattern. All three tumors developed in patients in their 20′s, over a period of months with minimal symptoms; yet in all of the lesions the tympanic membrane was intact at the time of initial examination. None of the neoplasms was diagnosed preoperatively, and, once removed, all three tumors were pathologic enigmas and therapeutic problems in view of the initial and subsequent consultant pathologic opinions; nevertheless, total local excision with preservation of the tympanic membrane would appear to be safe treatment in these cases. The term “adenomatous tumor” is applied to these three neoplasms because: 1. a true glandular epithelial origin warranting the term adenoma or adenocarcinoma cannot be proven; and 2. the biologic behavior and prognosis is not necessarily reflected by the histologic appearance. A more specific term reflecting the origin and behavior of these tumors does not appear possible without the study of further cases.