The presence of a lipoma in the Eustachian tube: a case report

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of lipoma in the Eustachian tube is very rare, and to the best of our knowledge, has not been reported in the literature. Tumors that form in the cartilaginous portion of the Eustachian tube can be successfully removed by an endoscopic approach. CASE PRESENTATION: We report an incidentally-detected lipoma of the Eustachian tube in a 34-year-old Asian woman with a six-year history of persistent otitis media in her right ear. Our patient underwent surgery five years ago for the possibility of a choanal polyp, but her ear symptoms continued to be problematic following the surgery. Our patient was examined at our hospital, and computed tomography revealed a well-defined, hypodense, non-enhancing lesion involving the right Eustachian tube, measuring 1.6 × 2.4 cm. The mass was excised using an endoscopic approach, and was found to originate from the cartilaginous portion of the Eustachian tube. The tumor was sent for histopathologic evaluation. The postoperative course went smoothly, and our patient recovered during follow-up over the next five months. CONCLUSION: Lipoma of the Eustachian tube is very rare compared with other tumors. Improved radiologic modalities aid the diagnosis of this benign tumor. Endoscopic removal of the tumor is possible and has helped in early recovery.