CARCINOID-TUMOR OF THE MIDDLE-EAR - CASE-REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

This is a case report of middle-ear carcinoid tumour in a patient with a 20-year history of aural tinnitus, fullness, and hearing loss. The patient was treated surgically, with no evidence of recurrence 20 mont hs later. The natural history of this tumour appears to be relatively benign, with a long clinical course and little destruction of surround ing tissues. Immunohistochemical and electron microscopic studies are of great value in distinguishing carcinoid from other tumours of the m iddle ear. The pathologic features that contribute to the differential diagnosis are presented. Local conservative surgery appears to be the treatment of choice.