Table 1 Differential diagnosis according to the lesion site.
From: Cholesterol granuloma presenting as a mass obstructing the external ear canal
PETROUS APEX | MIDDLE EAR CAVITY | EXTERNAL MEATUS |
|---|---|---|
Glomus tumor | Cholesteatoma | Osteoma |
Meningioma | High jugular bulb | Bony stenosis |
Schwannoma | Carotid artery aberrance | Cholesteatoma |
Arachnoid cyst | Glomus tumor | Brain hernia |
Plasmocytoma | Hemotympanum | Â |
Lymphoma | Brain hernia | Â |
Histiocytosis X | Â | Â |
Epidermoid cysts | Â | Â |
Mucocele | Â | Â |
Carotid aneurism | Â | Â |
Bone and cartilaginous tumors | Â | Â |