A case of isolated ossifying fibroma of the mastoid cavity of the temporal bones

ObjectivesTo describe an isolated ossifying fibroma of the mastoid cavity that did not invade the inner ear and middle ear cavity.Study designCase report.SettingDepartment of Otolaryngology, College of Medicine, Pusan National University, a tertiary care center in Busan, South Korea.Patients and interventionA 34-year-old woman had an episode of acute right ear otalgia. A computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging scan showed a well-circumscribed, lobulated, 3 × 3 × 3-cm sized tumor mass that was localized to the temporal bone with bony erosion including tegmen mastoid and partial bony destruction and no invasion of the middle and inner ear. A large tumor mass was removed through a simple mastoidectomy. The permanent pathological report confirmed the diagnosis of ossifying fibroma. The patient returned with complaints of recurring right otalgia, 3 years postsurgery. The previous mastoidectomy cavity was filled with a red sandpaperlike lesion; a 3 × 2-cm sized bony defect was also found, and the dura was exposed after removing the eroded tegmen mastoid. Permanent pathological diagnosis was again an ossifying fibroma, and there were no postoperative complications.ConclusionTo prevent clinically evident recurrences and potentially life-threatening complications, early complete resection is advised in aggressive and recurring ossifying fibroma involving the temporal bone. Close long-term postoperative follow-up with physical examinations and temporal bone computed tomography will offer the greatest chance of early detection of recurrence.