Pigmented Lesion of the Middle Ear

Abstract

Melanotic lesions of the mucosal membranes of the head and neck have been reported infrequently. Malignant melanomas are reported with much more frequency than benign nevi in this region. The first reported case of a nevus of the middle ear mucosa is presented. The distinctions between this lesion, nevus of Ota, meningioma, Schwannoma, and hematoma are discussed. The malignant potential for this lesion is not known, but it appears low enough to obviate interval tympanotomy.