Cavernous Hemangioma of the Tympanic Membrane

Haemangioma or vascular malformation of the tympanic membrane? a case report and review of literature

“…Interstitial laser therapy (eg. Nd:YAG) may prove a useful therapeutic option as pharmacological intervention plays no role in these non-proliferative lesions [4,9]. In light of these fundamental distinctions, lesions erroneously termed "cavernous haemangiomas" are more appropriately classifi ed as vascular malformations as they represent errors in morphogenesis rather than proliferative cellular processes, and they are best approached by considering their growth over the life of the individual.…”

“…Of the 7 reported cases of vascular lesions arising from the tympanic membrane [1][2][3][4][5][6][7], if we evaluate the case synopsis and brief histological descriptions, 2 may be classifi ed as haemangiomas [1,6] with the remaining 5 more appropriately renamed vascular malformations [2][3][4][5]7]. Magliulo and Fusconi had classed their case as a capillary haemangioma [3], however, based on the lack of clinical progress over a 15-month period, this lesion may be more appropriately reclassifi ed as a vascular malformation.…”

“…It is, however, rarely found on the tympanic membrane. To date, only 7 cases have been reported in English medical literature [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] (Medline search, 1968 to present), with 3 of the lesions termed "capillary haemangioma" [1,3,6] and the remaining 4 "cavernous haemangioma" [2,4,5,7]. We present a case of a vascular lesion arising from the tympanic membrane with a review of the current literature; but also draw attention to the confusing nomenclature attributed to these lesions, potentially resulting in inappropriate management.…”

Schwannoma of the tympanic membrane

“…Previous reports have identified rare neoplasms as isolated tumours of the tympanic membrane; for example, cavernous 9 and capillary haemangioma, 10 schwannoma 2 and squamous cell carcinoma. 11 During pre-operative evaluation it is difficult to differentiate the schwannoma from other benign or malignant tumours.…”

Hemangioma of the Tympanic Membrane

“…As in the previously reported cases, this lesion was located in the posterior portion of the tympanic membrane. [2][3][4] The middle ear appeared well aerated. The CT scan confirmed that the lesion was located on the external part of the tympanic membrane and that the middle ear was normal.…”