Meningiomas presenting in the middle ear

Meningiomas can present in the middle ear either as primary tumors or as an extension of an intracranial tumor. Symptoms and signs of such rare tumors are easily confused with more common conditions of the ear. Two cases of meningiomas involving the middle ear are presented, the operative details of the second case are summarized because of the unusual extent of the tumor. A brief review of primary intratympanic meningiomas reported in the literature is also presented. An account of the pathology, diagnois, and treatment of meningiomas in the middle ear is given in the hope that this diagnosis may be considered when middle ear tumors present.