Tumors of the temporal bone: a clinical experience

Objectives: To mention our experiences which are obtained from our patients with temporal bone tumor. Methods: The cases with temporal bone tumor were retrospectively reviewed from chart records. Results: Temporal bone tumors have been found in eleven patients whose had diagnosed and surgical treated in our clinic in between 2001 and 2005 years. Four paragangliomas, 2 epidermoid carcinomas, 1 ganglioneuroma, 1 endolymphatic sac tumor, 1 meningioma, 1 glomangioma, 1 leptomeningeal carcinomatosis involving the IAC have been found among these tumors. Conclusion: Space occupying neoplastic lesions of the temporal bone occur as 5% in regard to all head and neck tumors. Hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo are main initial symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging of internal acoustic canal and computerized tomography of temporal bone are the most useful techniques for diagnosis. While surgical excision is made enough in the therapy of benign lesions, management of most malign lesions have been provided by combination of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.