Tumors of the Ear & Cranial Base

All tumors are collections of cells that are growing faster or dividing faster than the normal cells around them. They are referred to as benign or malignant depending on a few characteristics. Their appearance under the microscope, their rate of growth and their ability to spread beyond their primary site of involvement are just a few of these characteristics. In general benign tumors grow slowly and do not spread. They can push on adjacent structures and remodel bony structures. On the other hand, malignant tumors grow at a faster rate, can spread to surrounding lymph nodes and involve distant organs.