A rare case of a giant mastoid osteoma

Abstract

Osteomas are true benign bone-forming neoplasms. Their occurrence in the skull is relatively rare. They arise primarily in the Sino nasal area. And to a lesser extent, in the temporal bone. Mastoid osteoma presents as a slow-growing, usually asymptomatic mass. Patients sometimes complain of tenderness or occasional pain; some seek medical assistance because of cosmetic effects. Management includes watchful waiting and surgical removal. Surgery of mastoid osteoma carries a low risk of complication but must proceed with CT scan images to evaluate the extent and relation to vital structures. Osteoma may be in tight proximity to the sigmoid sinus, facial nerve, the base of the skull, or the semicircular canal. In this case, we report on the presentation and management of a twenty-seven-year-old patient with a giant mastoid osteoma.