Epidermoids consist of epidermal and connective tissue structures usually in the form ofa sac. They have the capacity for independent progressive growth often at the expense of neighbouring bone and have a tendency to reform after removal. The sac is lined by stratified squamous epithelium and contains epithelial debris.Epidermoids are uncommon lesions of the central nervous system.`'-The cerebellopontine angle is the most common site of occurrence of intracranial epidermoids,45 and account for 9% of tumours in the cerebellopontine angle, second only to acoustic neuromas. Other reported sites include the optic chiasma, diploe of the skull and the posterior fossa. We report experience with the behaviour and management of 30 epidermoids of the cerebellopontine angle seen over a period of 20 years. We also briefly describe a previously unreported surgical technique employed during the excision of these lesions which involved the use of the operating microscope and bipolar diathermy for the cauterisation of epithelial remnants to minimise reformation of the epidermoid.
Ossification of the inner ear is the result of multifactorial pathogeneses, such as infection or malignant infiltration, and otosclerosis. Ossification of the inner ear spaces is a well documented sequela of suppurative labyrinthitis.In this study of human temporal bones, sections from 14 patients (28 temporal bones) were studied. In addition to the osseous tissue within the inner ear, findings included neoplasms, otosclerosis, otitis media, trauma, and Fabry's disease. We have attempted to correlate these conditions and their influence on the formation of osseous tissue within the spaces of the inner ear. Tympanogenic infection and vascular compromise were found to play an important role in ossification. The scala tympani of the basal turn of the cochlea was frequently the site involved.
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