Kaliningrad doctors remove a six-decade ear tumor from a patient
In the Kaliningrad region, medical teams recently achieved a remarkable outcome for a woman who had lived with a bone-destroying tumor in her ear for 60 years. The case was reported by the regional press center and highlights a rare medical journey from long-standing deafness to successful treatment.
In mid-November, a 76-year-old woman arrived at the regional hospital with sharp pain behind the ear, progressive facial weakness, and a noticeable droop on the left side of her face. Her medical history, dating back to 1962, revealed that she had lost hearing in one ear due to a middle ear infection. Over time this condition progressed and culminated in the formation of a cholesteatoma, a benign but aggressive growth that can erode surrounding structures if left untreated.
Cholesteatomas are dangerous when they invade nearby bone and tissue. The medical team emphasized that such growths can extend toward the base of the skull, posing serious risks to the patient. The senior otolaryngology department head, Andrei Samko, explained that this particular neoplasm was already destroying bone and had reached the dura mater, the protective layer around the brain. The erosion of skull bone and the invasion near the facial nerve explained the patient’s facial paralysis on the left side.
After extensive planning, a three-hour operation was performed. Surgeons carefully freed the facial nerve from bone fragments and tumor debris. The ear cavity, already compromised by the disease, was cleaned and reinforced using tissue from the patient’s own abdomen to help restore structure and support. The operation required a delicate balance between removing the tumor and preserving essential nerves and functions.
The patient remained in the hospital for 17 days, a period during which she was monitored for nerve function, wound healing, and recovery of facial movement. She has since been discharged and continues to see doctors regularly while taking prescribed medications to manage recovery and prevent recurrence.
This case underscores the critical importance of early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention when cholesteatomas threaten the skull base and facial nerves. It also illustrates how advancements in ear, nose, and throat surgery can restore quality of life for elderly patients who have endured prolonged symptoms. The regional medical team notes that continuous follow-up is essential to ensure lasting relief and to monitor for potential recurrence.
Experts consulted in the case note that the successful outcome stems from a combination of precise imaging, careful surgical planning, and the patient’s own tissue-based reconstruction. By removing the invasive mass and stabilizing the ear’s internal environment, the team created conditions for gradual recovery in facial function and chronic symptom control. The patient’s story reflects a broader trend toward aggressive yet conservative strategies in managing complex skull base tumors, especially among older adults with a long history of untreated disease. (Source attribution: Kaliningrad press center)