Abstract
Carcinoid tumor is a neuroendocrine tumor that typically occurs in the digestive system and lung；carcinoid tumor in the middle ear is rare. We herein report two cases of carcinoid tumor in the middle ear. We also review the previous literature and discuss the malignancy of this rare tumor. Case 1 ： A 32-year-old female presented with ear itching and pulsatile tinnitus. A yellowish tumor mass was observed in the tympanum through the tympanic membrane. Canal wall up tympanoplasty was performed to completely remove the tumor. The pathological findings showed that the tumor cells were arranged in cords, nests, and glandular structures and were positive for synaptophysin and chromogranin A. Case 2 ： A 45-year-old male presented with ear fullness and hearing loss. CT demonstrated a mass that filled the outer ear canal, tympanum and mastoid without bone destruction. An open biopsy was performed and the patient was pathologically diagnosed with carcinoid tumor. The tumor was removed by canal wall up tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy, however, a second-look surgery was necessary due to widespread invasion.
