Plexiform neurofibroma: An uncommon cause of conductive-type hearing loss

Plexiform neurofibromas (PNs) are slow-growing, vascularised, limited, non-capsular benign tumours. They may cause functional impairments, cosmetic problems, and issues with pain or a sense of pressure. Involvement of the external ear canal, which can trigger conductive-type hearing loss and cosmeti...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Özer Erdem Gür, M. Türker Öztürk, Nuray Ensari, Dilek Şenen, Nevreste Didem Sonbay
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2017-01-01
Series:Acta Oto-Laryngologica Case Reports
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/23772484.2017.1316174
Description
Summary:Plexiform neurofibromas (PNs) are slow-growing, vascularised, limited, non-capsular benign tumours. They may cause functional impairments, cosmetic problems, and issues with pain or a sense of pressure. Involvement of the external ear canal, which can trigger conductive-type hearing loss and cosmetic problems, is rare. A 14-year-old male diagnosed with, and under follow-up for, type 1 neurofibromatosis presented with hearing loss and an auricle deformity caused by a mass on the postauricular region of the mastoid bone. This mass had grown gradually over the past 5 years and at the time of consultation completely filled the external ear canal, pushing the auricle forward. It was surgically removed. Postoperative histological examination allowed diagnosis of a plexiform neurofibroma. The external ear canal was successfully cleared, affording a good cosmetic outcome. Audiometric tests revealed that the air-bone gap had closed.
ISSN:2377-2484