Recurrent oncocytic papilloma of the middle ear: A case report and literature review

Schneiderian papillomas commonly occur in the nasal sinuses and septal mucosa. This type of papilloma rarely develops in the middle ear, with only 51 previously reported cases. The oncocytic papilloma (OP) subtype is even rarer, with only seven cases. We present a case of primary OP in the middle ear that recurred during long-term postoperative follow-up. The patient was a 31-year-old man who experienced papilloma recurrence after three surgeries. These recurrences appeared as a shadow on computed tomography. No recurrence has been observed since his fourth surgery. Our review showed increased recurrence and malignant transformation rates in inverted papillomas that occur in the middle ear. In contrast, OPs occurring in the middle ear were reported to have a high recurrence rate and no malignant transformation. Close and careful follow-up is necessary for any type of papilloma.