{"id":284,"date":"2020-12-23T15:16:16","date_gmt":"2020-12-23T22:16:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/neurotucson.fm1.dev\/ear-hearing\/mucoceles-of-the-petrous-apex\/"},"modified":"2021-02-02T16:48:14","modified_gmt":"2021-02-02T23:48:14","slug":"mucoceles-of-the-petrous-apex","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/neurotucson.com\/ear-hearing\/neurotology\/mucoceles-of-the-petrous-apex\/","title":{"rendered":"Mucoceles of the Petrous Apex"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Mucoceles are mucus-filled cysts that are typically located in the sinuses or mouth, but occasionally occur elsewhere in the body. Mucoceles of the petrous apex are extremely rare. The petrous apex is a pyramid shaped portion of the temporal bone located 3-4 centimeters deep to the ear. Expansile mucoceles occurring in this area can cause hearing loss,\u00a0tinnitus<\/a>,\u00a0otorrhea<\/a>\u00a0(ear drainage), sensory abnormalities of the face, difficulty moving the eye on the affected side outward, facial weakness, headaches and\u00a0dizziness<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The diagnosis of petrous apex mucocele is made after thorough microscope examination of the ears, comprehensive hearing tests and imaging studies, including CT of the temporal bones and MRI scans with internal auditory canal protocols. While watchful waiting may be an option for elderly or infirm patients, surgical drainage is recommended for most individuals because mucoceles expand with time. Expansion may erode vital structures of the temporal bones over time. Transmastoid and middle cranial fossa approaches are offered to patients based on the specific size and location of each lesion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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