Tumors of the Temporal Bone

Abstract

We have classified under the heading of tumors of the temporal bone all neoplasms known in the past as "tumors of the middle ear," "tumors of the middle and external ear," "tumors of the petrous bone," and "tumors of the mastoid process." All pathologic processes affecting the temporal bone, because of the variety of anatomical formations of the region, give rise to a group of clinical and pathological signs which may be considered as characteristic and constant. Primary and secondary tumors are differentiated as follows: All new growths affecting, exclusively or preeminently, the temporal bone structure or the surrounding vessels, nerves, and muscles, as well as the ones penetrating into the temporal bone, are considered primary. Therefore, the primary tumors are epithelioma and connective tissue tumors of the middle ear, true cholesteatoma, tympanic and jugular paraganglioma, Fig. 1.—Scheme of a vertical section of the temporal bone, showing the subdivision in