External auditory canal obstruction due to osteoma in a Syrian male patient: long-standing neglect and delayed diagnosis in a rural setting—a case report
Abstract Introduction Osteomas are benign bone tumors most commonly found in the external auditory canal, often mistaken for exostoses. While typically asymptomatic, larger osteomas can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, or canal obstruction. Case presentation A 20-year-old Syrian male presented with pro...
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BMC
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Journal of Medical Case Reports |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-025-05501-x |
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| author | Bilal Hasan Zulfiqar Hamdan Lina Mohamad Nagham Salem |
| author_facet | Bilal Hasan Zulfiqar Hamdan Lina Mohamad Nagham Salem |
| author_sort | Bilal Hasan |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Introduction Osteomas are benign bone tumors most commonly found in the external auditory canal, often mistaken for exostoses. While typically asymptomatic, larger osteomas can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, or canal obstruction. Case presentation A 20-year-old Syrian male presented with progressive right-sided hearing loss and difficulty inserting ear-cleaning tools, persisting since age 13 years. Previous conservative management with canal dilation was unsuccessful. Examination revealed partial occlusion of the external auditory canal, and otoscopy was not possible owing to the stenosis. Axial and three-dimensional computed tomography scans identified a bony bridge connecting the mastoid and zygomatic processes, obstructing the canal. Audiometry confirmed conductive hearing loss (40–50 dB air–bone gap). The patient underwent postauricular excision, bony drilling, and canal reconstruction. Postoperatively, the air–bone gap resolved, and canal patency was restored. Histopathology confirmed a benign osteoma. Conclusion Despite being benign, this condition warrants more research to address knowledge gaps and improve diagnosis, especially in underserved areas. Better understanding and awareness could significantly enhance patient management and quality of life. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-f49ba82a8cfe47bfaecac8ed2fc7b216 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1752-1947 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Medical Case Reports |
| spelling | doaj-art-f49ba82a8cfe47bfaecac8ed2fc7b2162025-08-24T11:31:36ZengBMCJournal of Medical Case Reports1752-19472025-08-011911610.1186/s13256-025-05501-xExternal auditory canal obstruction due to osteoma in a Syrian male patient: long-standing neglect and delayed diagnosis in a rural setting—a case reportBilal Hasan0Zulfiqar Hamdan1Lina Mohamad2Nagham Salem3Department of Otolaryngology, Yusuf Al-Azma Hospital, Military Service Administration (MSA) Research CenterDamascus University Faculty of MedicineDepartment of Otolaryngology, Yusuf Al-Azma Hospital, Military Service Administration (MSA) Research CenterDepartment of Otolaryngology, Yusuf Al-Azma Hospital, Military Service Administration (MSA) Research CenterAbstract Introduction Osteomas are benign bone tumors most commonly found in the external auditory canal, often mistaken for exostoses. While typically asymptomatic, larger osteomas can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, or canal obstruction. Case presentation A 20-year-old Syrian male presented with progressive right-sided hearing loss and difficulty inserting ear-cleaning tools, persisting since age 13 years. Previous conservative management with canal dilation was unsuccessful. Examination revealed partial occlusion of the external auditory canal, and otoscopy was not possible owing to the stenosis. Axial and three-dimensional computed tomography scans identified a bony bridge connecting the mastoid and zygomatic processes, obstructing the canal. Audiometry confirmed conductive hearing loss (40–50 dB air–bone gap). The patient underwent postauricular excision, bony drilling, and canal reconstruction. Postoperatively, the air–bone gap resolved, and canal patency was restored. Histopathology confirmed a benign osteoma. Conclusion Despite being benign, this condition warrants more research to address knowledge gaps and improve diagnosis, especially in underserved areas. Better understanding and awareness could significantly enhance patient management and quality of life.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-025-05501-xCase reportOsteomaExternal auditory canal benign tumorsMastoidExternal auditory canal stenosis |
| spellingShingle | Bilal Hasan Zulfiqar Hamdan Lina Mohamad Nagham Salem External auditory canal obstruction due to osteoma in a Syrian male patient: long-standing neglect and delayed diagnosis in a rural setting—a case report Journal of Medical Case Reports Case report Osteoma External auditory canal benign tumors Mastoid External auditory canal stenosis |
| title | External auditory canal obstruction due to osteoma in a Syrian male patient: long-standing neglect and delayed diagnosis in a rural setting—a case report |
| title_full | External auditory canal obstruction due to osteoma in a Syrian male patient: long-standing neglect and delayed diagnosis in a rural setting—a case report |
| title_fullStr | External auditory canal obstruction due to osteoma in a Syrian male patient: long-standing neglect and delayed diagnosis in a rural setting—a case report |
| title_full_unstemmed | External auditory canal obstruction due to osteoma in a Syrian male patient: long-standing neglect and delayed diagnosis in a rural setting—a case report |
| title_short | External auditory canal obstruction due to osteoma in a Syrian male patient: long-standing neglect and delayed diagnosis in a rural setting—a case report |
| title_sort | external auditory canal obstruction due to osteoma in a syrian male patient long standing neglect and delayed diagnosis in a rural setting a case report |
| topic | Case report Osteoma External auditory canal benign tumors Mastoid External auditory canal stenosis |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-025-05501-x |
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