[Ossifying fibroma of the temporal bone].

Objective: To describe the clinical presentation of ossifying fibroma of the temporal bone, and to discuss its diagnosis and treatment.

Method: A rare case of ossifying fibroma of the temporal bone was presented. The patient was a 8-year-old boy with a one year history of left ear discomfort, suppurative otorrhea and progressive hearing loss. Physical examination of the ear revealed a stenosis of left external auditory canal (EAC), and an obvious expansion at mastoid region. Audiometry showed no hearing of the left ear. A postauricular approach was used to expose the mass. Frozen section evaluation during operation was not definitive but suggested benign nature in histology. The tumor was fully resected. The EAC was sealed by sutured skin, and the extended mastoid cavity was obliterated with abdominal fat.

Result: The final pathological report indicated the stromal cells were negative for S-100 protein and epithelia membrane antigen (EMA), supporting the diagnosis of ossifying fibroma. One-year follow-up showed the sealed EAC was satisfactory with complete interior and no tumor recurred.

Conclusion: Ossifying fibroma of the temporal bone is a rare entity, which is a benign neoplasm but may show an aggressive behavior by compression and encroachment upon adjacent structures. Early and complete removal was advocated.