Primary Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Presenting as Chronic Otomastoiditis

Primary Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Presenting as Chronic Otomastoiditis

Primary presentation of lymphoma of the middle ear is rare, with only 18 cases being reported in the literature. Diagnosis of middle ear and mastoid tumors may be delayed because symptoms mimic more common otologic conditions. Only after clinical deteriorationdo patients often undergo further workup and evaluation that iscritical to definitive diagnosis. We describe a case of diffuse largeB-cell lymphoma presenting as unresolved chronic otitis media and mastoiditis. Isolated presentation of primary lymphoma in the middle ear and mastoid without associated cranial nerve deficits or vestibular symptoms has rarely been described previously. Even without advanced symptomatology, it is imperative to exclude the possibility of temporal bone malignancy through proper neurotologic examination and appropriate imaging.