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Benign ear cyst or tumor
     
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Benign ear cyst or tumor

Osteomas; Exostoses; Tumor - ear; Cysts - ear; Ear cysts; Ear tumors; Bony tumor of the ear canal; Furuncles

 

Benign ear cysts are lumps or growths in the ear. They are not cancerous.

Causes

 

Sebaceous cysts are the most common type of cysts seen in the ear. These sack-like lumps are made up of dead skin cells and oils produced by oil glands in the skin.

Places they are likely to be found include:

  • Behind the ear
  • In the ear canal
  • In the earlobe
  • On the scalp

The exact cause of the problem is unknown. Cysts may occur when oils are produced in a skin gland faster than they can be released from the gland. They can also occur if the oil gland opening has become blocked and a cyst forms under the skin.

Benign bony tumors of the ear canal (exostoses and osteomas) are caused by excess growth of bone. Repeated exposure to cold water may increase the risk for benign bony tumors of the ear canal.

 

Symptoms

 

The symptoms of cysts include:

  • Pain (if cysts are in the outside ear canal or if they get infected)
  • Small soft skin lumps on, behind, or in front of the ear

The symptoms of benign tumors include:

  • Ear discomfort
  • Gradual hearing loss in one ear
  • Repeated outer ear infections (otitis externa)

Note: There may be no symptoms.

 

Exams and Tests

 

Benign cysts and tumors are most often found during a routine ear exam. This type of exam may include hearing tests (audiometry) and middle ear testing (tympanometry). When looking into the ear, the health care provider may see cysts or benign tumors in the ear canal.

Sometimes, a CT scan is needed.

This disease may also affect the results of the following tests:

  • Caloric stimulation
  • Electronystagmography

 

Treatment

 

Treatment is not needed if the cyst does not cause pain or affect hearing.

If a cyst becomes painful, it may be infected. Treatment may include antibiotics or removal of the cyst.

Benign bony tumors may increase in size over time. Surgery may be needed if a benign tumor is painful, interferes with hearing, or leads to frequent ear infections.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Benign ear cysts and tumors are slow-growing. They may sometimes shrink or may disappear on their own.

 

Possible Complications

 

Complications may include:

  • Hearing loss, if the tumor is large
  • Infection of the cyst
  • Infection of the ear canal
  • Wax trapped in the ear canal

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Contact your provider if you have:

  • Symptoms of a benign ear cyst or tumor
  • Discomfort, pain, or hearing loss

 

 

Open References

References

Ferrari M, Patel ZM, Nicolai P. Benign tumors of the sinonasal tract. In: Francis HW, Haughey BH, Hillel AT, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 49.

Hargreaves M. Osteomas and exostoses of the external auditory canal. In: Myers EN, Snyderman CH, eds. Operative Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 127.

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        Review Date: 4/29/2026

        Reviewed By: Ashutosh Kacker, MD, FACS, Professor of Clinical Otolaryngology, Weill Cornell Medical College, and Attending Otolaryngologist, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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